Barcelona have sent their scouts to the Africa Cup of Nations to watch the likes of Pape Matar Sarr and Ousmane Diomande closely. The problem is these players all are beyond Barca's financial reach — unless Joan Laporta somehow finds another lever to trigger. So bargain-hunting is a more realistic option for the club.
We've come up with five quality budget options Deco could go for even in the final days of the January transfer window or in the summer.
Aboubakary Koita, Mauritania
Doubts over the futures of Joao Felix and Ansu Fati will almost certainly force Barca to look for a left winger in the summer. Nico Williams was supposed to be one, but even an otherwise affordable release clause of €50m is beyond Barca's reach.
Aboubakary Koita could be a decent alternative. The 25-year-old has 11 goals in 21 matches for Sint-Truiden, a mid-table side of the Belgian top tier. He is the league leader for successful take-ons, fouls drawn and progressive carries, which perfectly describes his style of play.
Koita’s tactical transformation over the years is really impressive. This is his first season as a left winger; previously, he used to play as a wide midfielder on each side while also trying his luck in midfield. Reminds us of Bukayo Saka’s evolution.
Shortly after making his debut for Mauritania, Koita scored the first goal for the national team, helping them advance to their first-ever AFCON knockouts after spending decades at the bottom of FIFA rankings.
Koita’s current deal with Sint-Truiden expires in July 2025 which means he could be available at a low cost this summer. His estimated value is €5m.
Logan Costa, Cape Verde
Just like the entire Cape Verde team, Logan Costa has been one of the biggest discoveries of this AFCON. Although his side conceded against Ghana and Egypt in the group stage, the 22-year-old was rock-solid on both occasions, recording six tackles and 10 clearances in two matches combined.
What makes Costa a potentially perfect fit for Barca is the way he progresses with the ball forward – he reminds us of Andreas Christensen in this respect. He’s not afraid to do it even against more high-profile opponents. His bravery against Egypt led to him providing two key passes.
The centre-back plays for Toulouse who are famous for their AI-driven approach to recruiting players, so Costa isn't a random Joe. Last season, the Cape Verdean helped his team to the French Cup scoring two in the final.
Logan’s contract with Toulouse ends in 2026, with the estimated price standing at €5m.
Lamine Camara, Senegal
Another priority position to strengthen is the defensive midfield. Barca’s desperation almost forced them to sign Pep Guardiola’s outcast Kalvin Phillips, but even that move ended up being infeasible.
Senegal’s rising star Lamine Camara is the one to watch. The player joined Metz from Generation Foot – the Senegalese side are strategic partners with the Ligue 1 club providing them with top-quality prospects, Sadio Mane being the best example.
Camara now averages more tackles, interceptions and blocks per 90 minutes than most midfielders in Europe’s top 5 leagues. Despite all that, he is more than just a ball winner: like Barca’s other target Aleix Garcia, the youngster can cover every position in midfield, succeeding as an attacking midfielder in the national team. He scored twice in Senegal’s opening AFCON match against Gambia, the second goal being an absolute stunner.
Camara's current deal with Metz expires in 2026 and his estimated value is set at €4m.
Kamory Doumbia, Mali
‘We’ve got our own Jude Bellingham at home’ – that’s what Joan Laporta can say if he lands the Malian one day.
I’m not even exaggerating. Stat database Fbref names the Englishman as the one who's most similar to the 20-year-old — largely thanks to his immense defensive contribution for a midfielder who bangs goals here and there.
His goalscoring instincts aside, Doumbia’s strong attributes include dribbling and playmaking. He has delivered five key passes in his first three AFCON matches, two of which led to assists.
Since 1988, only 17 players have ever received a 10/10 from L'Equipe, notorious for their harsh match ratings. The list has the likes of Leo Messi, Erling Haaland, Robert Lewandowski, and... Kamory Doumbia. This happened when the Malian hit four goals past Lorient in 2023/24 while playing as a central midfielder.
Kamory’s contract with Reims (he’s currently on loan at Brest) expires in 2025, so a low-cost deal may be possible in the summer. His estimated cost is €2m.
Jesus Owono, Equatorial Guinea
Many Barca fans are getting tired of Inaki Pena’s inconsistency. Time to get a new backup for Marc-Andre ter Stegen?
Jesus Owono is the real deal. After winning the Man of the Match against Nigeria, the Equatorial Guinea representative went on to deliver an assist (his SECOND this season) against Guinea-Bissau and keep a clean sheet against the tournament hosts Ivory Coast.
Born in Equatorial Guinea, the 22-year-old began to play football in Spain, where he has spent most of his life. Owono is a second choice for Alaves in La Liga but starts in Copa del Rey, where he's kept three clean sheets in three matches, including one against Real Betis.
Owono is among the players with the most saves made and the highest save percentage at this AFCON. He’s clearly in the form of his life – with his contract expiring this summer, Barca should act quickly.
Which of these players should Barca consider? Would you recommend any other underrated African players to the club?
