Mika Baza makes storm‑hit debut for Barça after Hamburgo move

In a rain‑laden morning at the club’s training ground, 16‑year‑old German centre‑back Mikael Baza stepped onto the pitch for Barça, making his first minutes as a blaugrana in the Juvenil B match against Olot. The game unfolded under a fierce storm that battered the venue, underscoring the dramatic start to his Barcelona career.

Barcelona seal Hamburgo youngster's transfer

FCB’s Jordi confirmed that Barcelona completed the signing of 16‑year‑old German centre‑back Mikael Baza in the final hours of the summer transfer window. The player arrived from Hamburgo, where he had one year left on his contract and Juventus had also shown interest. Hamburgo initially demanded €250,000, but Barcelona’s negotiations reduced the fee, allowing the deal to go through.

Juvenil B welcomes new international prospects

After signing, Baza joined Barcelona’s Juvenil B squad, where he began training alongside fellow 16‑year‑old foreign recruit Dany Freire. Both players impressed the coaching staff within a handful of sessions, prompting a swift decision to bring them into the academy. The club had previously trialled Portuguese defender Salvador Garcia from Porto but opted for Baza instead.

Early this morning, Baza made his first minutes as a Barça in the Juvenil B match against Olot, a game dominated by a fierce storm that battered the venue. Despite his 1.93‑metre stature, he moved comfortably with the ball, showing agility in turns and competence defending in open space.

Before his debut, the teenager had already been named on the bench for Barcelona’s first two league fixtures, witnessing a 1‑0 win over Europa and a 4‑4 draw with Reus. Coach Cesc Bosch then handed him his inaugural appearance, marking the start of his senior involvement.

Known affectionately as “Mika”, the player is a cousin of Bayern Munich defender Jonathan Tah, a link that Hansi Flick helped to facilitate. Barcelona’s head coach maintains close contacts with German youth coaches, a relationship that proved pivotal in securing the youngster’s transfer.

Although Baza has not yet debuted for Barcelona’s senior side, he has been called up to the Portugal Under‑17 national team, meaning his next weeks will be split between club duties and international commitments.