Who is Mamadou Fall? Barcelona close in on deal for LAFC defender

The 20-year-old centre back spent last year on loan with LaLiga side Villarreal and is reportedly set to move to Spain on a permanent basis.

William GittinsWillGittUpdate: Aug 31st, 2023 12:29 EDT

Ashley LandisAP

LAFC defender Mamadou Fall is reportedly close to a move to Spanish champions Barcelona, having spent last year on loan with Villarreal.

The Athletic reports that Barcelona have a agreed a deal worth around $7 million to secure the services of the young centre back. The transfer window in Spain ends on Friday, meaning that the two clubs have a day left to finalise the transfer.

Barcelona’s financial constraints mean that they have been unable to spend vast sums on players this summer, as they have done in previous years. Of the three players to have arrived so far – İlkay Gündoğan, Iñigo Martínez, Oriol Romeu – only the latter cost them a transfer fee, a modest $3.7 million.

It is expected that Fall will begin with the club’s Barcelona B side, until he is ready to step up to the senior team.

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Mamadou Fall spent last season on loan with Villarreal.ANGEL SANCHEZDiarioAS

Who is Barcelona signing Mamadou Fall?

The 20-year-old has built a reputation as one of the most talented young defenders in MLS, but his first team experience is still relatively limited. He enjoyed a break-through season in 2021, making 36 MLS appearances in Black and Gold.