David Oduro Leaves Barcelona for Annecy in Ligue 2
David Oduro’s Barcelona chapter is over. Two years after arriving as a project for the future and signing a long-term deal through 2027, the Ghanaian left-back is heading to France to relaunch his career with Annecy in Ligue 2.
The Haute-Savoie club confirmed his signing on Saturday, bringing clarity to a situation that had been looming over Barça Atletic’s summer planning.
From delayed debut to regular role
Oduro arrived in Barcelona as part of a small wave of African talent recruited by the club, alongside Aziz Issah and Ibrahim Diarra. He came in with promise, but his first season barely got off the ground.
Administrative and bureaucratic hurdles kept him sidelined for weeks. By the time the paperwork finally cleared, the season had already taken shape without him. He managed only 10 appearances in that debut campaign, a frustrating return for a player eager to make his mark.
Last season told a different story. With the off-field issues resolved, Oduro grew into the team and earned the trust of the staff, featuring in 23 matches. The minutes arrived, the rhythm followed, and the left flank started to feel like his territory.
Now, at 20, he cuts ties with Barcelona and chooses a new stage. Annecy, fighting in the demanding environment of France’s second division, becomes the next test of his development.
Left-back reset for Barça Atletic
His departure is part of a broader reshuffle on the left side of Barça Atletic’s defence under Juliano Belletti.
Oduro is gone. Jofre Torrents has also moved on, joining Ajax. Two options out, a whole position to rethink.
Barça have already moved to plug the gap with Josué Caicedo. The full-back has impressed in pre-season, staking an early claim for serious minutes and giving Belletti a fresh, energetic profile on the flank.
There is also the Jordi Pesquer question. After spending time training with the first team, the club still has to decide where he will play this season and how his role fits into the wider structure of the academy and reserve sides.
The depth chart does not end there. Alex Walton remains in the squad, while Patricio Pacifico is also on the books, though he faces a lengthy spell out as he recovers from an ACL injury. To cover options and experiment, Belletti has even tested Landry Farre at left-back during this period of transition.
One position, several candidates, and a clear message: the left-back spot at Barça Atletic is wide open. Oduro has chosen his path in France. The next question is who will seize the vacancy he leaves behind in Barcelona.
