“He will be Barça’s most difficult player to defend” – Traore’s former teammate on transfer

Adama Traore’s signing came as a surprise to many fans across the globe. While media and journalists speculated a signing in the striker or left-back department, Joan Laporta pulled an unexpected card with the winger’s arrival.

Traore is a graduate of La Masia and has years of experience playing in the Barcelona style. His dribbling is amongst the best in the world, and with it, he could bring a lot of verticality into the Blaugranas play. Most importantly, his willingness to take a big pay-cut made him the ideal choice for Xavi.

The Wolves winger shared the dressing room with Sergi Palencia at the lower levels of Barcelona. The Leganes defender spoke to MARCA about what Traore could bring to this Barcelona side, saying,

“He is not a player who stands out for teaming up with his teammates. But I think that because of Xavi’s approach to play, he can create spaces inside and threaten on the outside,” Palencia said.

He added: “Before, he progressed more because of how fast and slippery he was, and now he almost knocks down his rivals.”

Palencia then added that Traore would be ‘the most difficult’ member of Barcelona’s attack to defend against.

“The most difficult player to defend that Barça would have upfront would be Adama. His abilities are amazing.

“I know he wants to return home, which didn’t go very well. I think he didn’t expect it. He is not a player with big numbers, but he is another profile, he enriches you and makes you more unpredictable.”

The Wolves winger completed his medical examinations on Friday though Barcelona are yet to officially confirm the signing. On Monday, Traore is expected to be presented as a Barcelona player.