According to The Athletic, LAFC and Barcelona are reportedly finalizing a move of center back Mamadou Fall for an unknown amount. This would make Fall the second Major League Soccer defender to join the Blaugrana this year, after Julian Arajo’s transfer from LA Galaxy.

The 20-year-old Fall has had one of the most incredible climbs in soccer history, and he is now on the brink of signing with the Catalan powerhouses.

Fall, who was born in Senegal, came to the United States in 2019 with the help of Sport4Charity, a group devoted to increasing access to sports for kids in Senegal. In high school, Fall participated in basketball for the prestigious Montverde Academy.

The 6’2″ defender caught the eye of LAFC in 2021, and the club signed him to a two-year contract. Fall quickly established himself as yet another shrewd pick-up by LAFC’s scouting staff.

After spending a short time with LAFC’s Las Vegas Lights USL Championship affiliate, Fall saw action in 19 games in his debut season with the club. Fall, a Senegalese youth international, made 19 further appearances for the club before being loaned out to La Liga side Villarreal.

Fall spent the most of his time in the Segunda División playing for Villarreal’s reserve squad. He made one appearance for the first team. 

Fall has been back with the Black and Gold since earlier this summer, but it seems that his time with the team may be brief. 

Villarreal wanted to re-sign the promising young player, but La Liga rivals Barcelona signed him instead.