According to Mundo Deportivo , the Barcelona first-team coaching staff is keeping a close eye on the development of teenage summer signing Jesse Bisiwu.
The 18-year-old winger is still waiting for his first competitive appearance for the senior setup, and as such, the coaches are monitoring his adaptation at the club.
Barcelona signed Bisiwu from Club Brugge in the summer in a deal worth €8.5 million plus add-ons. The teenage attacker was a personal bet by sporting director Deco and head of scouting Joao Amaral.
The La Liga champions handed him a long-term contract until 2031 and included him in the first-team plans for pre-season, with the starlet even impressing in the friendly matches.
Barcelona have great expectations of Bisiwu. (Photo courtesy: FC Barcelona official website)
However, that has not translated into an official first-team debut for Bisiwu as he has been largely playing with the club's reserve team Barça Atletic.
So far, the 18-year-old prodigy has made six league appearances for Juliano Belletti's side, registering one assist in the process and showing fleeting glimpses of his immense talent and potential.
While he has trained with the senior squad fairly regularly, Bisiwu has yet to be called up to the matchday squad even once by Hansi Flick.
However, Bisiwu's introduction to life at Barcelona was not entirely straightforward. He suffered an injury during the Copa Catalunya final against CE Sabadell, leaving the pitch after just 10 minutes.
Still awaiting his first-team debut. (Photo courtesy: FC Barcelona official website)
There were other complications as well, as La Liga initially withheld his registration because of outstanding visa-related paperwork.
Those interruptions have not helped his adaptation. As such, Barcelona's coaching staff are continuing to closely monitor his progress rather than rushing him into the senior side.
For now, Bisiwu's aim is to continue developing with Barça Atletic and establish himself as a regular starter in Belletti's team.
As for opportunities with the first team, the youngster will have to bide his time. Flick, throughout his time at Barcelona, has shown that he will give young talent a chance if they impress. And that is what the young winger must aim to do.
