Jesse Bissio has completed his move to Barcelona, saying joining the Catalan club represents a childhood dream after receiving a warm welcome during his first days in Spain.
The 18-year-old Belgian finalised his transfer on Tuesday, signing a contract that will keep him at Barcelona until 2031. Barcelona paid 8.5m euros to sign him from Belgian club Club Brugge.
Bissio signed the agreement in the presence of Barcelona president Joan Laporta at the club’s offices, formally completing the latest stage of his move to the Catalan giants.
Speaking after putting pen to paper, in comments reported by Mundo Deportivo, Bissio described his first experiences at the club as extremely positive.
“It has been a great first few days. I have been welcomed by a wonderful family and I am very grateful for that,” he said.
“They have welcomed me very warmly, everyone is very friendly, and I am very grateful.”
Bissio added that experiencing Barcelona in person had made a greater impression than simply observing the club from afar.
“Being here and seeing it for myself is a different feeling. I am very happy to be here,” he said.
The teenager also explained that Barcelona had been an ambition since he was young, making the move particularly significant.
“When I was young, I always dreamed of playing for a big club like Barcelona, so being here is a dream come true for me,” he said.
Bissio was also asked whether he had already spoken to Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick. The new signing said the German had made him feel welcome and had outlined the approach expected of him during the year.
“He welcomed me very well, and we have had some conversations. It is very easy to understand what I have to do this year: work hard and learn as much as possible,” Bissio said.
The Belgian also addressed his physical condition and said he wanted to make sure he was ready whenever Flick decided to call on him.
“When the coach needs me, I will be there; I just want to work hard to be ready,” he said.
Bissio ended his comments by revealing that, although he had watched Barcelona’s famous stadium on television, he had not previously seen it in person.
“I have seen Camp Nou on television, but not in real life,” he said.
His arrival gives Barcelona another young player to develop after completing a deal that ties Bissio to the club for the next five years. For the player himself, the transfer marks the fulfilment of a long-held ambition and the beginning of his time at one of football’s biggest clubs.
