Barcelona's signing of Jesse Bisiwu was far from a last-minute opportunity. It was the result of a recruitment process that lasted several months, with sporting director Deco personally leading the operation to convince one of Europe's most highly rated young wingers to choose the Blaugrana.
According to 📰 La Vanguardia, Deco made the Belgian teenager one of his priority targets long before the transfer window reached its final stages, believing Bisiwu possesses the qualities to become an important first-team player in the future.
Deco's Personal Mission
Rather than relying solely on reports from the scouting department, Deco became directly involved in the pursuit.
The Barcelona sporting director travelled to Belgium on several occasions over the past few months to watch Bisiwu in person, evaluating not only his performances on the pitch but also his development, mentality and potential.
Those visits also allowed Barcelona to strengthen their relationship with the player and his entourage, gradually convincing him that the club offered the ideal environment for his development.
Barcelona's Confidence in the Young Winger
Inside the club, Bisiwu is regarded as one of the most promising young wingers in European football.
Barcelona's technical staff believe his profile perfectly suits the club's long-term sporting project, with his explosiveness, confidence in one-on-one situations and ability to eliminate defenders making him an exciting prospect for the future.
The club sees him as a player capable of developing through Barça Atlètic while progressively adapting to Hansi Flick's first-team environment.
Comparisons With Ousmane Dembélé
Although Barcelona are keen to allow Bisiwu to develop at his own pace, some internal reports have drawn comparisons between the Belgian youngster and Ousmane Dembélé.
The similarities are based primarily on his exceptional dribbling ability, explosive acceleration, unpredictability in one-versus-one situations and his capacity to break defensive lines with the ball at his feet.
Within the club, there is a belief that these attributes could make him a game-changing winger if his development continues on its current trajectory.
A Long-Term Investment
Barcelona's pursuit of Bisiwu reflects the club's ongoing strategy of identifying elite young talent before they become established stars.
Following months of scouting, personal meetings and negotiations, Deco ultimately succeeded in convincing the Belgian prospect that his future belongs at Barça.
Bisiwu has now officially signed with the club and is expected to begin the season with Barça Atlètic, while also training regularly under Hansi Flick as Barcelona gradually prepares him for first-team football.
The club believes they have secured not just another promising youngster, but potentially one of the brightest wide players of his generation.
Sources:
📰 La Vanguardia
📰 Jijantes FC