Ebrima Tunkara, the young talent from Barcelona's youth academy, could make his debut in the League tonight against Alavés, as confirmed by coach Hansi Flick. If the call is made, the 16 years and 235 days old striker would occupy second place on the list of youngest players to have worn the Barça shirt in a First Division match, only behind Lamine Yamal, who debuted at 15 years and 290 days old in April 2023 under the direction of Xavi Hernández.
Barcelona has continued to focus on youth in recent years, with the arrival of players like Guillem Víctor and Àlex Campos from the reserves, and now with Tunkara, who has spent the last week training with the first team and participating in the lunch organized for the captains at the Ciudad Deportiva. In the last preseason session, the youth player joined the group of theoretical substitutes for the preparation match against Alavés, sharing the field with figures such as Balde, Gerard Martín, Bernal, Gavi, Anthony Gordon and Gabriel Jesus.
Flick explained that although Tunkara has recently suffered an injury, he has shown positive performance during training and pre-season. “Anything can happen,” commented the coach, adding that his performance has left a good impression on him. The coach also highlighted the versatility of Tunkara, who can play both as a central forward and on the wing, acting as a winger when necessary.
In the historical table of debutants, Tunkara would surpass Vicenç Martínez, who registered his mark at 16 years and 280 days in 1941. The young man would also be placed ahead of other great names in the club's history, such as Ansu Fati and Pau Cubarsí, who have also been part of the top of Barça's youngest players.
Barcelona has demonstrated a clear strategy of integrating its promises into the first team, and Tunkara's possible debut would be another step in that process. If given the opportunity tonight, the 16-year-old would not only set a personal best, but would also contribute to the continuity of the club's youth development philosophy. The fans and the coaching staff are carefully awaiting the result of Tunkara's performance in the match against Alavés, which could define his immediate future within the Barcelona squad.