The reason why Barcelona decided not to sign Karamoko Dembele

Few 13-year-old footballers in the world currently have a bigger reputation than Karamoko Dembele.

Since going viral on social media last month - because of a photo which showed the diminutive forward playing for Celtic’s Under-20 side against Hearts - it’s since emerged that most of Europe’s top clubs are keeping tabs on the gifted teenager including Manchester United, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Dembele hit the headlines again this week after he made his debut for Scotland’s Under-16 side, coming on as a second-half substitute, and he earned praise from the team’s head coach Brian McLaughlin.

WHY BARCELONA DECIDED NOT TO SIGN DEMBELE

Interest in Dembele from Europe’s heavyweights will keep growing if he continues catching the eye, although it’s now emerged that Barça took the decision not to sign the youngster before he became famous.

According to Catalan newspaper Sport, the Spanish champions decided not to sign Dembele to avoid encountering further problems with FIFA.

Barcelona’s scouts reportedly had Dembele firmly on their radar just over a year ago and were in contact with his representatives, convinced this was a youngster with the potential to become a future star.