Fulham forward Adama Traoré has shared his thoughts on his failed loan move to Barcelona and his hopes for a future return to the Catalan club, Soccernet.football reports.
Traoré, who joined Barcelona on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in January 2022, initially made a strong impression, providing four assists in 17 appearances.
However, as time went on, his importance in the team diminished, largely due to Xavi Hernández’s decision to favour Ousmane Dembélé in his position.
Despite hopes of a permanent move, Barcelona did not take up the option to buy, and Traoré returned to Wolves at the end of the 2021-22 season.
In a candid interview with ‘El Larguero’ on Cadena Ser, Traoré expressed his disappointment: “I have a thorn in my side. Maybe it’s a bad taste in my mouth because any Barça youth player wants to stay. I knew I was going on loan and the situation at the club and my intention was to help as much as possible.
“It is true that halfway through my loan there was a change, more personal, by the manager. I came to fill Dembélé’s position. It was my turn to have that position and Xavi stayed with him. These are learning stages.”
He also admitted that, if given the chance, he would gladly return to Barcelona: “As a youth player, I will always be a Barça fan. If I had the option, why not? But it would have to be under different circumstances.”
Since joining Fulham in August 2023 on a free transfer, Traoré has found form, scoring one goal and providing two assists in the current Premier League season.
Traoré also revealed advice he received from Pep Guardiola following Fulham’s 3-2 loss to Manchester City, where he missed key chances.
“After the match, he gave me advice on finishing the chances I had against them. I’ve always appreciated his support,” said Traoré.
Traoré began his career with Barcelona’s youth system before spells at Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, and Wolves, where he played over 200 matches.