Leipzig Pulls Buzzer-Beater Transfer And Signs Barcelona Phenom Moriba On Final Day Of Window

After a disagreement over contracts which threatened to turn ugly, Ilaix Moriba has left Barcelona to join RB Leipzig in an $18.8 million move. 

Bienvenido, @IlaixMK! #HereWeGoMoriba #DeadlineDay pic.twitter.com/fsoGugZgtV

— RB Leipzig (@RBLeipzig) August 31, 2021

Moriba is one of the higher-rated prospects to come through La Masia in recent years, having joined Barcelona back in 2010. The 18-year old made 18 appearances for the first team last season and there had been high hopes within the club that he would eventually claim and hold down a spot in midfield for several years. 

The club's hand has been forced by Moriba's refusal to sign a new contract despite long-lasting negotiations, with the two parties unable to reach an agreement. Barcelona's hierarchy felt the youngster and his agents were demanding too much money, and the Guinea-born Moriba thus found himself frozen out and training with the second team.

@IlaixMK: "We have big goals this season and I can’t wait to take on this challenge at Leipzig!”

Get the lowdown on our newest signing https://t.co/Vwj7qPmSPu#HereWeGoMoriba pic.twitter.com/2CPD25ukXR

— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) August 31, 2021

Manager Ronald Koeman said of the situation before Moriba's departure, "I think his situation is horrible ... He has had the chance to play for the first team. He is the future of this club... and he is in a situation where he's not playing, not with us ... My advice to him is that money is not the most important thing. It is about playing games. But the player and his agents have decided differently. I am disappointed." 

Moriba had also been linked heavily to Spurs in this window but ultimately decided on the move to Germany. He will be the latest in a long line of young, exciting additions to the Leipzig squad, joining others such as Dani Olmo, Dominik Szoboszlai and Brian Brobbey. 

He will sign a five-year deal with the Bundesliga side which will see Moriba avoid the purgatory of training with the youth side and playing hardly any games during this campaign. The Barcelona faithful will be disappointed to lose out on such a highly-thought of youngster so early on in his career.