FC Barcelona have strengthened their youth setup with the official signings of midfielder Mirza Catovic and defender Mikael Baza. The club announced both moves after midnight on Tuesday, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, in an operation that bolsters the Catalan side's academy ranks.
Mirza Catovic, a 19-year-old left-footed defensive midfielder, joins Barcelona Atlètic from Stuttgart. The Serbian player, born in Tutin on May 1, 2007, signed his contract in a ceremony attended by directors Andrés Manzano and Sergi Milà. His deal includes an option to buy. Catovic came through the youth system at Rot-Weiss Frankfurt before joining Stuttgart's academy in 2022. He made his 3. Liga debut in December 2024 and last season played 29 matches for Stuttgart's second team, also winning the German under-19 Cup with them. Internationally, he has represented Germany at under-18 and under-19 levels, featuring at the 2026 UEFA European Under-19 Championship.
Who is Mikael Baza?
Mikael Baza is a 16-year-old centre-back who stands 1.93 metres tall and joins Barcelona's youth team. The young defender arrives from Hamburg, the club that received 250,000 euros as compensation for his transfer. Baza had one year remaining on his contract with the German side. His agent is the well-known representative Pini Zahavi. An interesting family connection is that he is the cousin of German international Jonathan Tah, with whom he shares similar physical traits. The main advocate for his arrival has been manager Hansi Flick, who saw in him an interesting profile for the club's future.
How do they fit into Barcelona's project?
These signings come at a time when the first team is enjoying a strong sporting moment. Barcelona are top of La Liga with 9 points, after three wins in three matches. Their goal tally is 12 scored and only 2 conceded, giving them a +10 goal difference. This context of success and defensive solidity in the senior team provides an ideal framework for the arrival of young prospects aiming to make the leap. The current squad, which you can view on our squad page, features a mix of experience and youth to which these talents are now added.
What does Mirza Catovic bring?
Catovic arrives to add solidity and potential in the centre of the reserve team's midfield. His profile as a left-footed defensive midfielder, with experience already in German third-tier professional football, makes him a player with a path already trodden despite his youth. His contract with Stuttgart ran until June 30, 2027, but Barcelona have secured his loan with an option to buy. His arrival strengthens a key position in the club's structure, which has always valued the academy as a fundamental pillar. The reserve team competes in the Primera Federación, a demanding league that will test his adaptation.
What is the first team's next challenge?
While the academy is reinforced, the first team's focus is on the next league fixture. Barcelona will visit Valencia on Sunday, September 6. Los Che, currently in 16th place, will host the leaders at Mestalla. This match, part of a busy schedule you can follow on our fixtures page, will be another test for Flick's team. The positive start, with three consecutive wins, has placed Barça at the top of the standings, but the calendar offers no respite. The incorporation of youngsters like Baza and Catovic is a medium-term investment that complements the immediate work of the senior side. The youth defender signed a contract tying him to the Blaugrana club for the coming years.
