Ebrima Tunkara has made a strong impression on Hansi Flick during Barcelona’s pre-season, but the club is not planning to rush one of La Masia’s most highly rated young talents into the first team.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the 16-year-old was included in Flick’s pre-season group primarily to give the Barcelona manager an opportunity to assess him closely rather than as an immediate candidate for regular senior football.
Tunkara has nevertheless taken his opportunity, having scored against Europa, started the match against Birmingham and also featured against Udinese, offering several glimpses of the ability that has made him one of the standout prospects coming through Barcelona’s academy.
Despite those encouraging performances, Barcelona’s approach remains clear: development comes before a quick promotion.
Tunkara catches Flick’s attention during pre-season
Flick has used pre-season to take a closer look at several young players, with Tunkara among those given the chance to train and play alongside more established members of the squad.
The Barcelona manager has experimented with the teenager in several different positions.
Ebrima Tunkara has impressed Hansi Flick during pre-season matches. (Picture credit: Instagram/@ebrimatunkara10)
Notably, Tunkara is most comfortable as an interior midfielder, but Flick has also used him on the right wing, a position where he spent much of last season.
During one training match, the German coach even tested him as a striker and that versatility has only added to the interest surrounding the youngster.
His energy also stood out during Barcelona’s pre-season schedule. By the time the team reached the triangular tournament, the squad was dealing with physical fatigue, but Tunkara’s runs and intensity remained noticeable.
His goal against Europa and subsequent appearances gave Flick a better understanding of what the academy prospect can offer.
Still, there is an important distinction between impressing during pre-season and being ready to become a permanent member of the first-team squad.
Barcelona appear determined not to confuse the two.
Barcelona prioritise regular football
While Tunkara’s pre-season displays have strengthened his reputation, Barcelona’s priority is to make sure that he continues playing regularly this season.
The club do not want the 16-year-old to spend the campaign on the fringes of the first team without meaningful minutes.
Instead, the focus is on finding the environment where he can play consistently and continue developing.
A final decision, therefore, is still needed regarding which team Tunkara will represent during the season.
It is easy for expectations to rise quickly when a young La Masia player performs well alongside established stars during pre-season.
Tunkara has already shown why Barcelona rate him so highly, but the next stage of his development will be just as important as potential first-team cameos.