Ghana and Belgium vie for FC Barcelona winger Jesse Bisiwu
The 18-year-old’s impressive pre-season form has prompted the Ghana Football Association to seek his commitment for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, while Belgium monitors the situation.
FC Barcelona winger Jesse Bisiwu has become the subject of an international selection dispute between Ghana and Belgium following a standout pre-season campaign. The 18-year-old, who joined the Catalan club for €8.5 million, has attracted significant attention from both nations as he seeks to establish himself in manager Hansi Flick’s first-team plans.
Bisiwu’s status within the squad was elevated after he scored two goals in just two minutes against FC Basel. The performance, which included a strike from a pass by Dani Olmo and a conversion of an assist from Lamine Yamal, marked a sharp contrast to his limited impact in the earlier friendly against Udinese. Although he has also featured against Al Ahly, it was the display against the Swiss side that underscored the club’s investment in his potential.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has been in contact with Bisiwu’s representatives for several months, aiming to secure his commitment to the Black Stars. According to reports, the federation is considering a call-up to the senior national team in the near future. Their primary objective is to have the winger available for the road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament in which Ghana aims to return to the forefront of the continent.
Despite having represented Belgium at youth level, Bisiwu retains eligibility for Ghana due to his family roots. He has made 25 appearances across the Under-15, Under-16, Under-17, Under-18 and Under-19 teams. The GFA believes he can become a key figure for the national side and is attempting to convince him to make the jump directly to the senior level before his development at Barcelona definitively shapes his international future.
Belgium is aware of Ghana’s interest and continues to monitor the situation, though it has not yet made an official approach. The decision for Bisiwu is not immediate, but his ongoing development at Barcelona is expected to accelerate the process. As he pushes for a larger role in Flick’s plans, the significance of his international choice grows, with both federations watching closely.
