Ghanaian defender Hafiz Gariba has reached another major milestone in his career after joining Barcelona’s first team for the opening day of pre-season preparations.
The 19-year-old reported to the club’s Ciutat Esportiva training complex on Monday, where he underwent routine medical tests alongside members of Hansi Flick’s senior squad ahead of the team’s first training session on Tuesday.
Gariba earned his opportunity after impressing for Barcelona’s U19 side during last season’s UEFA Youth League and was among a select group of academy players invited to train with the first team ahead of the new campaign.
The highly rated centre-back will now have the chance to impress Flick and strengthen his case for a place in the senior squad, with reports indicating he is being considered for first-team involvement during the 2026/27 season.
Among those undergoing medical assessments alongside Gariba were senior stars Marc-André ter Stegen, Wojciech Szczęsny, Alejandro Balde, Andreas Christensen, Fermín López, Marc Casadó, Gerard Martín, Marc Bernal, Héctor Fort and Roony Bardghji, as well as several players from Barça Atlètic and the club’s academy.
Gariba will now look to make the most of pre-season as he aims to convince Flick he is ready to feature for the reigning La Liga champions in the upcoming campaign.
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