Barcelona defender set for immediate MLS switch after the heavyweight American club closes high-profile deal with the Catalan star.
This move marks a full-circle journey for the 23-year-old centre-back, who first rose to prominence in American soccer before crossing the Atlantic, and now returns stateside with big ambitions beyond the pitch.
Barcelona, keen to capitalise before his contract expired, will pocket a welcome financial boost amid La Liga’s stringent fair play rules.
That defender is Mamadou Mbacké, signed by Barça from Los Angeles FC for around €2 million in 2024 after stints with Villarreal’s reserves.
Despite 60 appearances for Barça Atlètic and flashes of potential—including strong aerial presence and passing range—Mbacké couldn’t break into Hansi Flick’s first team, overshadowed by Pau Cubarsí, Ronald Araujo, and Íñigo Martínez.
His omission from the recent Andratx match signalled the end, with Diario Sport confirming the St. Louis switch.
Financially savvy for Barcelona, the sale avoids a free exit while freeing squad space and salary cap room for January reinforcements.
Mbacké’s comparable MLS wages underscore his sporting motivations: regular top-flight minutes to earn a Senegal senior cap and stake a claim for next summer’s World Cup, where Teranga Lions chase glory post-2022 quarters.
St. Louis, rebuilding under new coach Yoann Damet after missing the playoffs, pairs him with countryman Fallou Fall for a formidable axis.
Mbacké’s path—from LAFC breakout to European loans and La Masia polish—positions him for MLS stardom and potential European recall.
Barcelona’s youth outflow continues, but this pragmatic exit aids Flick’s title push. For St. Louis, it’s a coup blending experience and upside in their expansion-era ascent.
For Barcelona, the timely sale exemplifies Deco’s pragmatic youth management, and balancing development pathways with FFP necessities.
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