Ghanaian youngster Hafiz Gariba has taken another significant step in his development after joining Barcelona’s first team for the opening day of pre-season preparations.

The 19-year-old reported to the club’s Ciutat Esportiva training complex on Monday, where he underwent routine medical examinations alongside members of Hansi Flick’s senior squad ahead of the team’s first training session on Tuesday.

Gariba, who impressed with Barcelona’s U19 side during last season’s UEFA Youth League campaign, was included among a group of academy players invited to train with the first team as preparations for the new season get underway.

The promising centre-back will now have the opportunity to stake his claim for a place in the senior squad, with reports suggesting he is being considered for first-team involvement during the upcoming campaign.

Joining Gariba for the medical assessments were first-team players including Marc-André ter Stegen, Wojciech Szczesny, Alejandro Balde, Andreas Christensen, Fermín López, Marc Casadó, Gerard Martín, Marc Bernal, Héctor Fort and Roony Bardghji. They were accompanied by several players from Barça Atlètic and the club’s youth ranks.

Gariba now faces the challenge of impressing head coach Hansi Flick during pre-season as he looks to earn a role with the reigning La Liga champions for the 2026/27 season.