Montreal Impact midfielder Ballou Tabla has joined Barcelona on a permanent transfer, the MLS club announced Thursday.
Tabla, 18, has signed a three-year deal with options for an additional two, and includes a release clause of 25 million euros, which will rise to 75 million after three years, the Spanish club announced. The transfer fee was not disclosed.
“This first transfer is an important moment in the history and evolution of our club,” said Impact president Joey Saputo in a club statement.
“We take a lot of pride in seeing a young player, developed in our Academy, climb the ladder all the way to the first team and realize his dream to play in Europe with a big club like Barcelona.”
Tabla appeared in 21 games in his only season at Montreal, scoring two goals, and becoming the youngest player to appear in a match in franchise history.
The 18-year-old will join Barcelona’s youth affiliate, Barcelona B, upon arrival.