La Masia is a production line that never stops running, and another gem is set to emerge, heading into the 2026-27 season.
Spain youth international Ebrima Tunkara has taken full advantage of pre-season to turn the heads of coach Hansi Flick and the available senior pros, proving his quality at every turn.
The La Masia academy wonderkid has validated the hype that followed him throughout youth football so far, and has been included in Barcelona's pre-season tour squad.
Why Ebrima Tunkara Has Impressed Hansi Flick
The early weeks of pre-season often present opportunities to young players to stake their claim, and they often do so by showing off their technical skills and ability on the ball.
Tunkara, however, has stunned everyone at Barca, including Flick, with his incredible physicality, as well as his technical quality.
Despite being the youngest in the training camp at 16 years old, the Gambia-born midfielder made a huge impression in the opening weeks of pre-season, especially in the absence of a number of regulars due to injury/vacation.
Tunkara's ability to hold off defenders while also being able to keep the ball and play deftly using techniques learned in the academy have left his teammates impressed during their intense tactical drills.
Tunkara's Dream Start In Barcelona Pre-Season
Ebrima Tunkara's performance in training forced Flick to give him some time in an actual game, and he sent the youngster on in their behind-closed-doors friendly against CE Europa.
The Spain U-17 international needed only three minutes of game time to open his account for the club, powering his way into the box to meet a cross from Alex Gonzalez.
The nature of the goal scored by the youngster validated the quality he had shown in training, prompting Flick to include him in the squad for their pre-season tour.
What's Next For Ebrima Tunkara?
Tunkara is scheduled to spend most of the 2026-27 season with Barcelona's reserve team, Barca Atletic, after he trains with Flick's team this summer.
The teenage sensation has enjoyed a meteoric rise at the club, having been promoted to the Juvenil A team in the 2025-26 season at just 15 years old.
He showed his quality in the UEFA Youth League, appearing four times for the U-19 team in the competition.
The youngster also made five domestic appearances for Barca Atletic despite not officially being on their books at the time.
Tunkara spent the early weeks of the summer representing Spain at the U-17 European Championship, helping the team reach the semi-final before their elimination.
He registered five goal contributions in four games and created a frankly absurd 26 chances in those four games, towering every other player in the tournament.
The youngster will be permanently assigned to the Barca Atletic side after pre-season, but will likely be called upon during the season by Flick.
