Barcelona teenager Ilaix Moriba joins RB Leipzig
RB Leipzig have announced the deadline-day signing of Ilaix Moriba from Barcelona.
Moriba, who made 14 La Liga appearances in 2020/21, has put pen to paper on a five-year deal.
The 18-year-old midfielder is seen as a long-term replacement for ex-Leipzig captain Marcel Sabitzer, who in the last 24 hours completed a move to record champions Bayern Munich
Moriba joined the Barcelona youth academy at 14, and went on to play for the club's U16s, 19s and reserves before debuting for the first team shortly after turning 18, in the Copa Del Rey.
The Guinea-born Spain youth international made three appearances during Barca's triumphant cup campaign, and also got his first taste of the UEFA Champions League as a substitute against Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16.
He made his La Liga bow in March 2021, scoring one and assisting three across his first four top-flight outings. By the end of the season, the teen had made 18 senior appearances, including five starts.
"We have been able to land an exceptional talent in Ilaix Moriba," said Florian Scholz, Leipzig commercial director for sport. "We are very proud that he has chosen RB Leipzig, despite many offers from several top clubs in Europe."
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