18 August 2026, Baden-Württemberg, Stuttgart: Soccer: Bundesliga, VfB Stuttgart team photo, VfB Club Center. Mirza Catovic. Photo: Marijan Murat/dpa - IMPORTANT NOTICE: In accordance with the regulations of the Bundesliga and the DFB (German Football Association), it is prohibited to use or allow the use of photographs taken in the stadium and/or during the game in the form of sequential images and/or video-like photo series. (Photo by Marijan Murat/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Barcelona have reportedly reached an agreement with German side Stuttgart to sign 19-year-old midfielder Mirza Catovic.
The teenager will join Juliano Belletti’s Barcelona Atletic side on an initial season-long loan but the transfer does include an option to make the move permanent, according to Sky Sport reporter Patrick Berger.
Barcelona will pay an initial loan fee of €600, 000 and could secure a permanent deal for around €5-10m. Catovic is said to have turned down Club Brugge and Salzburg to sign for Barcelona.
Catovic will learn from one of the very best at Barca Atletic this season, as Sergio Busquets has joined Belletti’s staff as an assistant coach.
The teenager is also set to be joined at Barca Atletic by another new arrival in young defender Mikael Baza.
The 16-year-old has also agreed a late move to Barcelona from Hamburg, signing a deal until 2029 with the Catalan giants.