An FC Barcelona star announced his departure from the club via Instagram on Monday.
An FC Barcelona star announced his suprise departure from the club via Instagram on Monday.
Mamadou Fall, who is often referred to as Mbacke, joined Barca's reserve team known as Barca Atletic from Los Angeles FC last summer on a one-season loan deal, while described as a "centre back who stands out for being excellent in the air".
In recent weeks, there were reports from the likes of Mundo Deportivo pointing out how Mbacke had become a regular under Rafa Marquez in the reserve outfit and might soon be promoted to the senior squad.
Just five days ago, the same outlet revealed that there were talks in place with regards to a possible permanent purchase which would have cost around $4 million (€4.3 million).
Yet they don't seem to have reached a positive conclusion for the central defender, who announced that he is leaving Barca via social media.
"Hi Culers, it's been nothing but a nice journey sharing experiences as a teammate and as a fan," Mbacke wrote in Catalan and French.
"My aim coming here was to take Barca to where it belongs to be, but that was not the decision of the almighty God.
"I'm happy and very happy to be part of you, I loved every step of it. I just want to thank you all, it was just a short trip," he concluded.
Mbacke received well wishes from fellow youngsters at his now former club including Hector Fort, Pau Prim and Marc Guiu.
Like Mbacke, Guiu could soon be on his way out of Catalonia after Jijantes reported that he has an "advanced agreement" with Chelsea which is prepared to pay his $6.4 million (€6 million) release clause in the imminent future.
Back to Mbacke, the leap from Barca Atletic to the first team squad is difficult in the best of times, but it is even more complicated at present for a defender given the "overbooking" of centre backs new head coach Hansi Flick has on his hands.
Pau Cubarsi is set to partner Ronald Araujo in the heart of the backline in 2024/2025, while Inigo Martinez and Andreas Christensen battle for minutes amid Mika Faye's expected promotion from Barca Atletic.