Barcelona set to beat Chelsea in race for Malian wonderkid Seydou Dembele

DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 05: Seydou Dembele of Mali celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA Under-17 World Cup match between Mali and New Zealand at Aspire Academy on November 05, 2025 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Chris Ricco - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) | FIFA via Getty Images Barcelon

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What is the story about?

Barcelona are being tipped to land another Malian wonderkid and win the race for highly-rated youngster Seydou Dembele.

A new ‘exclusive’ from Africa Foot, states that Dembele had been expected to join Chelsea but is now heading to Barcelona instead to sign a contract.

Dembele impressed at the Under 17 World Cup in Qatar for Mali, scoring two goals and grabbing four assists for the team at the tournament.

The teenager is known for his dribbling ability, vision and eye for goal.

If Dembele does head to Camp Nou then he will follow in the footsteps of Ibrahim Diarra. The teenager joined Barca from Academie Africa Foot and went on to win the UEFA Youth League with the Catalans last year.

Diarra had then been expected to go on the first-team’s pre-season tour in the summer but missed out due to injury. However, Diarra remains highly regarded and it’s hoped that he could make the breakthrough at some point in the future.