Report: Koeman surprised with Barcelona’s rising star

Mundo Deportivo covered an exclusive piece on Barcelona B signing Yusuf Demir, who has been a continuous part of the first team dynamics since his arrival.

Demir has highly impressed Ronald Koeman and Barcelona’s board by the level and technical ability of the 18-year-old Austrian international.

The departure of Lionel Messi leaves a void in the forward line and a sudden shortage of almost thirty guaranteed goals a season. Barcelona have historically found the solutions in their B team, and Yusuf Demir could be the latest beneficiary.

The Dutch manager has been known to trust the youth and provide them with optimal conditions to develop. Last season, Dest, Mingueza, Pedri, and Ilaix Moriba amongst others established themselves as household names.

With the new season coming fast, and meager options in the front-line, the Austrian could see his first minutes in the league against Real Sociedad.

MD also reports that Koeman congratulated Ramon Planes and the technical secretariat for finding the promising footballer. Needless to say, everything indicates a big chance for the youngster to establish himself in the team.

Barcelona loaned Demir from Rapid Vienna for half a million Euros earlier this summer. The club reserves the option to buy the player in 2022 for a 10 million Euro fee, a bargain if the preseason is anything to go by.

The Austrian international’s preferred position is as a winger on the right, a position vacant at Barcelona at the moment. He started the Joan Gamper game against Juventus and provided Memphis Depay with a stunning assist for the opener. Whether he will start on Sunday or come on as a substitute remains to be seen.