Barcelona’s decision to include teenage winger Jesse Bissio in the first-team section of their official website has raised questions over his status ahead of the new season, with manager Hansi Flick still expected to decide whether the Belgian will remain with the senior squad or continue his development with the club’s reserve team.
Bissio’s final place within Barcelona’s structure has not yet been confirmed, despite the club having completed his signing from Club Brugge this summer. He has not been registered as a first-team player, but his appearance on the official squad list suggests the club regard him as a significant part of their plans.
Barcelona announced the transfer after agreeing a deal worth 8.5m euros, plus potential add-ons. The club subsequently presented the player at an event attended by president Joan Laporta, and handed him a contract running until 2031.
According to Spanish newspaper Sport, placing Bissio among the first-team players on Barcelona’s website “goes beyond being explained as merely a simple update”. The decision is viewed as an indication of the sporting department’s belief in his potential rather than confirmation of a final administrative decision over his registration.
Bissio is only 18 and has limited experience in senior professional football. However, Barcelona believe he possesses the qualities needed to develop close to the first team. His pace, dribbling ability and versatility across the forward line are understood to have been central to sporting director Deco’s decision to move quickly for him.
The Belgian impressed during his time with Club Brugge, particularly in the UEFA Youth League, performances which strengthened Barcelona’s interest and helped persuade the club to complete the deal.
Flick will have the final say on Bissio’s immediate future during the opening weeks of the season. If the German manager decides the teenager is ready to compete at the highest level, he will become a permanent member of the first-team group.
Should Flick conclude that Bissio requires more time to gain experience, the player will instead be registered with Barcelona’s reserve side. He would nevertheless remain under consideration for the senior team and could be called upon when required.
Bissio’s inclusion on the club’s website therefore does not settle the issue of where he will play. Rather, it reflects the level of expectation Barcelona have placed on one of the leading emerging talents in Belgian football.
The club’s actions after signing him, including his presentation and the length of his contract, underline the importance attached to the teenager. But the decision over whether he begins the campaign as a first-team player will remain with Flick, who must assess his readiness once pre-season work and the early stages of the new season have been completed.
