Confirmed: Barcelona announce the signing of 16-year-old German prodigy for youth setup

Barcelona have completed the signing of German defender Mikael Baza from Hamburg SV, adding another highly rated teenager to their youth setup.

The 16-year-old centre-back has committed his future to Barça until 2029 and will initially join the club's youth B team.

Barcelona confirmed the agreement in an official statement, stating

"Agreement for the incorporation of Mikael Baza to FC Barcelona from Hamburg SV in his youth stage.

"In the signing ceremony, he was accompanied by the director of Youth Football, José Ramon Alexanco."

Baza's arrival comes after Barcelona identified the need to strengthen their options at centre-back, particularly with an eye on developing a young left-footed defender for the future.

Baza has attracted attention from several clubs despite being only 16, with his physical and technical qualities making him an appealing long-term prospect.

Understandably so, Barcelona's plan is not to rush him into senior football.

Instead, the German youngster will continue his development within the club's youth structure before any decision is made about his progression towards the first team.

His profile is particularly interesting because of his ability to operate as a left-footed centre-back, something that Barcelona have been looking for throughout the market.

Mikael Baza has signed a contract with Barcelona until 2029. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images for DFB)

The club had already been monitoring Baza during the current transfer market. His name emerged among the candidates considered after Alvaro Cortes decided to leave Barcelona .

Hansi Flick played a role in Baza's decision

Notably, Hansi Flick has been aware of Baza for some time , partly because of his connections with Germany's youth national-team structure from his previous work as the country's senior manager.

Those links helped Flick gain a close understanding of the defender's potential.

He then intervened when Baza was considering a move to Juventus, with the German coach subsequently encouraging Barcelona to accelerate their pursuit.

That intervention appears to have helped Barça secure a player they view as a long-term investment.