Barcelona's 18-year-old winger becomes focal point of Ghana-Belgium tug-of-war

Jesse Bisiwu, recently acquired by FC Barcelona for €8.5 million, used the pre-season tour to catch the eye of coach Hansi Flick, notably netting two goals in two minutes against FC Basel. His emergence has sparked a rivalry between the Ghana Football Association, which has been contacting his representatives for months, and the Belgian federation, where he previously appeared in youth squads. Ghana aims to secure his services for the senior team to bolster their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, while Belgium monitors the situation without a formal offer.

The winger’s continued involvement with Barcelona’s first team could tip the balance as he weighs his options. Meanwhile, his on-field contributions, including a goal from a Dani Olmo pass and an assist from Lamine Yamal, underline why both nations are eager to claim him.