The 19-year-old centre-back joined the senior players at the club's Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper training complex, where the squad completed medical tests before beginning preparations for the 2026/27 season under head coach Hansi Flick.

Gariba is one of 15 La Masia academy players invited to train with the first team alongside 10 senior professionals, including Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Wojciech Szczesny, Alejandro Balde, Andreas Christensen, Fermin Lopez, Marc Casado, Gerard Martin, Marc Bernal, Hector Fort and Roony Bardghji.

The call-up follows an outstanding season for the young defender. After starting the campaign with Barcelona's Juvenil B side, Gariba earned promotion to Juvenil A and quickly became one of the academy's most dependable defenders. He made more than 20 appearances for the Under-19 team and played an important role as they won the National Youth League title.

Gariba also featured in the UEFA Youth League, where he impressed with his calmness in possession and strong defensive displays against some of Europe's leading youth teams.

His rise has been rapid. Born in Teshie, Ghana, Gariba began his football journey with Zinaps FC before moving to Villarreal CF Africa. His performances there earned him a place at Spain's Marcet Soccer Academy, where Barcelona scouts closely monitored his progress before offering him a three-year contract in February 2025.

Just over a year later, he is working alongside Barcelona's senior squad.

His opportunity has also come as several first-team stars remain unavailable following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong, Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Raphinha, Jules Kounde, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, Eric Garcia and Pau Cubarsi are all still absent, allowing more academy players to impress Flick during pre-season.

Gariba has made no secret of his ambitions. Speaking earlier this year, the Ghanaian said: "I want to fight so I get recognised and promoted to the senior team."

He also revealed that fellow centre-back Pau Cubarsi is the player he looks up to most at Barcelona.

Barcelona begin their pre-season programme with a friendly against CE Europa on July 24 before travelling to England for a training camp from July 27 to August 3. During that trip they will face Birmingham City on July 31 and Preston North End on August 3.

The Spanish champions are also expected to compete in a triangular tournament in August before hosting the annual Joan Gamper Trophy match ahead of the new campaign.

Barcelona begin the defence of their La Liga title at home against Athletic Club on August 16.

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