At Belgium’s under-21 camp, Jesse Bisiwu is speaking from the first weeks of a considerable change in scenery: from Club Brugge to Barcelona, from a promising teenage winger to a player sharing training pitches with some of Europe’s most established names.
The 18-year-old Belgian, who also has Ghanaian heritage and holds dual nationality, joined Barcelona during the summer on a contract running until 30 June 2031. While he continues to settle into the club, Bisiwu has identified Raphinha as the figure who has made the strongest impression on him.
“Raphinha is the player who has impressed me most,” Bisiwu said. “His way of playing and the way he trains, always giving 100 per cent, is incredible. I am impressed by him. He is a role model for me.”
First steps in Barcelona
- Bisiwu arrived from Club Brugge in the summer transfer window and signed a long-term deal with Barcelona.
- He joined much of the senior squad during the pre-season camp at St George’s Park, taking his first sessions alongside his new teammates at the beginning of August.
- The winger has since trained with Hansi Flick’s first-team group while also playing for Barcelona Atlètic.
- He started Barcelona Atlètic’s last two matches, against Barbastro and Logroñés B.
- He is yet to make his official competitive debut for Barcelona’s first team.
His early experience has extended beyond the training field. Bisiwu said the reception inside the club had helped ease the move, adding that he had spoken with both the captain and Flick.
“It has gone very well. They welcomed me warmly,” he said. “I have been able to speak with the captain and the coach, and I have felt very good.”
Barcelona’s technical standards have also quickly become clear to the Belgian. Asked who possesses the finest technique in the dressing room, Bisiwu selected two of the club’s younger central figures: “I would say Pedri or Lamine.”
A new status and a Belgian focus
Bisiwu acknowledged that a move to Barcelona has altered the attention around his career. “I feel a change in status, because arriving at Barça and signing for Barça is not a small thing,” he said. “I have felt that impact.”
For now, however, his international attention remains with Belgium’s under-21 side. Although eligible through his Ghanaian roots as well, he made clear that his immediate focus is on the Belgian youth set-up.
Belgium senior coach Marc van Bommel, a former Barcelona player, has already offered encouragement. Bisiwu said Van Bommel told him to stay ready and that he considered the teenager prepared, while stressing that the future will determine what comes next.
For Bisiwu, the current international break is another step in a season of transition: gaining minutes with Barcelona Atlètic, learning from the first-team environment and waiting for the moment when his work in training earns him an official Barcelona appearance.
