Omanghana
FC Barcelona have completed the permanent signing of Ghanaian winger Abdul Aziz Issah from Dreams FC following his two-season loan spell with Barça Atlètic.
The 20-year-old forward has signed a two-year contract that will keep him at the Catalan club until June 30, 2028. The agreement also gives Barcelona the option to extend his stay for an additional year.
The deal ends Dreams FC’s ownership of the player and represents a significant milestone in Issah’s developing career. It is also an important transfer for the Ghana Premier League club, which has gained international recognition for developing and exporting talented young players.
Issah Signs Contract in Official Ceremony
Issah formally signed his new contract during a ceremony supervised by FC Barcelona’s Director of Youth Football, José Ramón Alexanko.
Under the agreement, Barcelona will retain the Ghanaian winger for the next two seasons, with the club holding exclusive control over the additional 12-month extension option.
The permanent transfer demonstrates Barcelona’s confidence in Issah’s long-term potential after observing his development closely across two campaigns with the reserve team.
Although he has not yet established himself at the senior level, the club reportedly believes that his speed, technical ability and capacity to play across the attacking line make him a promising prospect.
Difficult Beginning in Catalonia
Issah first arrived in Barcelona during the summer of 2024 after completing a loan move from Dreams FC.
His debut season proved challenging as he struggled to secure regular playing time. Competition for places limited him to only a few brief appearances, making it difficult for the young winger to build momentum.
The transition from Ghanaian football to Barcelona’s tactical and technical system also required a period of adjustment. Issah had to adapt to a new country, language, playing style and competitive environment while attempting to earn the confidence of the technical team.
Despite the slow start, Barcelona retained him for another season, allowing him more time to demonstrate his ability.
Breakthrough Under Juliano Belletti
Issah made considerable progress during the 2025/26 campaign under Barça Atlètic coach Juliano Belletti.
Injuries to other wide players created additional opportunities, and the Ghanaian took advantage of the available minutes. He featured in 20 matches, scoring four goals and providing one assist.
His improved performances established him as a more important member of the reserve squad and strengthened his case for a permanent contract.
Beyond his direct goal contributions, Issah impressed with his pace, movement and willingness to attack defenders. His ability to operate on either wing also provided the coaching staff with greater tactical flexibility.
The campaign marked a significant turnaround from his difficult first season and convinced Barcelona’s youth-football leadership to invest further in his development.
Hansi Flick to Assess Issah During Pre-Season
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick is expected to evaluate Issah in a first-team environment during the club’s current pre-season preparations.
Training with the senior squad would give the Ghanaian an opportunity to demonstrate whether he is ready to compete alongside established first-team players.
The assessment will likely focus on his tactical awareness, physical readiness, decision-making and ability to perform at a higher competitive level.
A strong pre-season could improve his chances of remaining close to the first team, although Barcelona have not made a final decision about his immediate future.
Barcelona Considering Loan Move
Despite completing his permanent transfer, Barcelona could send Issah on loan for the 2026/27 season.
The club is reportedly considering placing him with a team competing above Spain’s third tier, where he would have an opportunity to play consistently against stronger opposition.
A carefully selected loan could help Issah continue his development without limiting him to occasional reserve-team appearances. Regular football at a higher level would also allow Barcelona to measure his progress before deciding whether he is ready for a long-term senior role.
Barcelona President Joan Laporta has reportedly expressed interest in seeing Issah involved around the first-team setup. However, the club must balance that ambition with the winger’s need for consistent competitive minutes.
The final decision is expected to depend on his pre-season performances, the composition of Flick’s squad and the quality of any loan proposals received.
Major Milestone for Dreams FC
The transfer represents another important achievement for Dreams FC and its player-development program.
Issah emerged as one of the club’s most promising talents before attracting Barcelona’s attention. His progression from the Ghana Premier League to one of Europe’s most prominent football institutions highlights the pathway available to young Ghanaian players.
Dreams FC’s role in developing Issah could further enhance the club’s reputation among European scouts and create additional opportunities for its emerging players.
The transfer also brings the club’s formal association with Issah to an end, although Dreams FC may continue to benefit from the prestige attached to his progress in Europe.
A New Chapter for Issah
Issah’s permanent contract offers him greater stability after two seasons of uncertainty on loan.
The Ghanaian winger must now build on the improvement he demonstrated during the 2025/26 campaign and prove that he can perform consistently at a higher level.
Whether he remains with Barcelona, trains around the senior squad or departs temporarily on loan, the next phase of his career will be crucial.
His long-term ambition will be to earn a place in Barcelona’s first team and establish himself among the growing number of Ghanaian players competing at the highest level of European football.
Source: Omanghana
