SPORT has confirmed that FC Barcelona has finalised the acquisition of Jorthy Mokio, a 16-year-old defensive prospect, from KAA Gent.
This is a significant development. Deco, the club’s sporting director, has placed a wager on the teenage sensation. He is adamant about signing young, talented players who are prepared to spend a year or two in the reserve squad before moving up to the first team.
Additionally, the former midfield player has successfully sealed the signing of Mokio, a player he has been attempting to sign for several months.
Deco personally oversaw the completion of the transfer for the 16-year-old centre back, who has already made an impact on Gent’s starting lineup.
A few weeks ago, a picture of Deco himself posing with the player’s agents surfaced, which was a clear sign that the deal was not only on the verge of completion but also moving forward.
In addition, Mokio, his family, and his agent have already made a few trips to the Ciutat Esportiva and have seen a Barça first team match this season.
The specifics of the deal and the player’s development plan for the ensuing years were discussed in these sessions.
Plan for Mokio
Gent assumed a few weeks ago that Mokio would depart for a fresh experience at Barça.
There were rumours of offers from Manchester City and AS Roma, but Gent’s president came clean and acknowledged in public that the player’s parents had informed them there was no need to consider any more offers because the decision had already been made.
Whether or not they are promoted to the second level, Deco intends to thoroughly assess Mokio throughout the preseason with the reserve team.
Given the clear development of the young players taught in the youth academy, the player and his group have chosen to accept the Blaugrana offer.