r

After a marvelous World Cup campaign with Senegal where he became the youngest African to score in the tournament, KAS Eupen right-back Moussa Wagué was signed by Barcelona for a fee of €5 million to replace the departing Barça B captain Sergi Palencia.

But the 20-year old speedster has been unable to settle in with his new teammates due to some issues with paperwork. Finally, he made his debut for Barcelona B against Ebro in November. Since, he has made 7 appearances in Segunda División, providing 1 assist.

But he will be making his first-team debut in January. Injuries to right-backs Sergi Roberto and Nélson Semedo have left Ernesto Valverde with no choice but to call up the inexperienced Senegal international to the first-team squad on a permanent basis.

But more significantly, he will be acting as the cover for Jordi Alba as left-back due to his versatility. Sergi Roberto will be back in action soon, but Wagué will play in the Copa del Rey fixtures against Levante.

Moreover, the right-back has been registered as a part of the Champions League squad for the knockout fixtures, starting with the Round of 16 game against Lyon. Ernesto Valverde clearly sees potential in Wagué, even though he has no experience in the upper echelons of European football.

He could even be integrated as permanent member of the first-team squad if Ernesto Valverde decides to use Sergi Roberto in a midfield role from next season. Wagué would be backup to Portuguese right-back Nélson Semedo.