New Barcelona signing Ibrahim Diarra earns comparisons with Lamine Yamal and a Blaugrana legend

Newly-signed Barcelona talent Ibrahim Diarra has this week been compared to an altogether noteworthy pair of Blaugrana players past and present alike.

Youngster Diarra, for his part, was finally announced as Barcelona’s latest addition earlier this week.

After a lengthy saga spanning most of the year, during which the gifted youngster spent a trial period in Catalunya’s capital before returning to his home country of Mali, Barca confirmed Diarra’s arrival on a contract through the summer of 2028.

An explosive winger boasting a host of stellar attributes, expectations are high when it comes to the 18-year-old’s prospects in Spain moving forward.

All of a Barcelona persuasion, in turn, will no doubt be interested to hear of Diarra, on Tuesday, being likened to a pair of high-profile attackers.

Speaking in an interview with Diario Sport, Soumaila Coulibaly, Mali’s U20 coach, was drawn on the talents of the country’s latest breakthrough talent.

And Coulibaly went on to explain:

”He reminds me of Rivaldo or Lamine Yamal. Left-handers with similar characteristics. But he must make his way, of course. For me he is the greatest talent in Mali right now, without a doubt.”

Conor Laird – GSFN