𝐀𝐛𝐝𝐮𝐥 𝐀𝐳𝐢𝐳 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐡: From Dreams FC to Barcelona Atlètic – A Promising Journey Cut Short
In recent years, FC Barcelona has looked toward Africa to find the next generation of footballing stars. One such hopeful was Abdul Aziz Issah, a dynamic and versatile forward from Ghana, hailed as one of the most promising young talents in African football. After joining Barcelona Atlètic on loan from Dreams FC in September 2024, Issah seemed poised for a breakthrough in Europe. However, after a season of high expectations and limited opportunities, Barcelona has confirmed it will not exercise its purchase option, bringing Issah's brief stint in Spain to a close.
From Accra to Europe: Aziz Issah’s Meteoric Rise
Born on November 20, 2005, in Accra, Ghana, Abdul Aziz Issah rose through the ranks of Dreams FC, a club that has become known for developing local talent. Standing at 1.63 meters, Issah might not boast the physical presence of a traditional forward, but what he lacks in height he more than makes up for in pace, technique, and attacking flair.
Issah made his senior debut for Dreams FC in September 2023 and quickly emerged as a pivotal player. That season, he scored the opening goal in the Ghana FA Cup final, helping his team secure its first-ever top-flight trophy with a 2–0 victory over King Faisal Babes. His performances not only earned him the Ghana FA Cup Discovery of the Season award but also led Dreams FC to qualify for the 2023–24 CAF Confederation Cup, where he finished as the tournament's top scorer with 4 goals and 2 assists in 10 matches.
Such stellar performances attracted attention from several European clubs, including Newcastle United. Ultimately, it was Barcelona that acted decisively, securing a season-long loan for Issah in a €1 million deal, with an option to buy.
Barça Atlètic and a Season of Unfulfilled Promise
When FC Barcelona announced Abdul Aziz Issah's signing on September 3, 2024, there was excitement about what this young Ghanaian prodigy could bring to the club's B team. He was described as a left-footed winger capable of playing across the attacking line—including on both wings and as an offensive midfielder.
Issah’s arrival, alongside compatriot David Oduro, was part of Barcelona’s broader push into the African market. Spearheaded by figures like Sergi Barjuan and scout Moussa Koné, this strategy had already yielded success stories like Mika Faye. Hopes were high that Issah would follow a similar path.
However, Issah’s integration into Barça Atlètic was anything but smooth. Bureaucratic hurdles initially delayed his participation, and once eligible, he found playing time extremely limited. He only featured in two matches: 16 minutes against Real Sociedad B and 10 minutes versus Nàstic—totaling a mere 26 minutes over the entire season.
Despite his clear potential, both Albert Sánchez and later coach Sergi Mila chose not to include him in regular matchday squads, even amid injuries and squad shortages. The situation left fans and analysts puzzled, given the club’s earlier enthusiasm and investment.
International Pedigree: A Star for Ghana
While Issah’s European adventure stalled, his international reputation continued to grow. In early 2024, he was a key figure in Ghana’s U20 team that competed in the 13th African Games, held in Accra. Playing all five matches, Issah scored in a crucial 3–1 group-stage win over Gambia and helped Ghana capture the gold medal against Uganda in the final.
He was later nominated for CAF’s Young Player of the Year and Men’s Interclub Player of the Year, further underlining his continental pedigree and growing stature within African football.
What's Next for Abdul Aziz Issah?
Now, with Barcelona opting not to trigger the buy clause in his loan deal, Abdul Aziz Issah is set to return to Dreams FC. While his time in Spain did not unfold as envisioned, it would be premature to call it a failure. Issah is still just 19 years old, and his resume already includes:
- A national cup victory
- CAF Confederation Cup top scorer accolade
- Gold medal at the African Games
- Youth accolades and international recognition
In many ways, this detour to Barcelona could become a valuable experience in his development—an early taste of European football’s challenges and expectations. As he returns to Ghana, or possibly elsewhere in Europe, Issah remains a player to watch.
A Reflection of Broader Trends
Issah's story is also emblematic of the growing talent pipeline between Africa and European clubs. While Barcelona’s African project has yielded mixed results so far, players like Issah underscore the depth of talent on the continent. The key lies in integration and opportunity. While players like David Oduro signed long-term contracts, Issah’s short-term loan and limited minutes suggest a mismatch between expectation and execution.
Abdul Aziz Issah may no longer be wearing the blaugrana, but his journey is far from over. A proven performer in Ghana and on the continental stage, he remains one of Africa’s most exciting young talents. His time at Barcelona Atlètic might be remembered as a "what could have been" chapter, but his potential and hunger remain intact.
As he returns to Dreams FC—or perhaps finds a new opportunity in Europe—football fans would do well to keep an eye on this determined, left-footed Ghanaian gem.
