David Oduro Leaves Barcelona for Annecy in Ligue 2

David Oduro’s Barcelona chapter is over. Two years after arriving as a raw, high-upside prospect for Barça Atletic, the Ghanaian left-back is heading to France to join Annecy in Ligue 2.

The Haute-Savoie club confirmed his signing on Saturday, closing a move that takes the 20-year-old out of Barcelona’s academy structure and into the grind of professional football in France’s second tier.

From bureaucratic delays to regular minutes

Oduro arrived as part of a small wave of African talent brought in by Barcelona, alongside Aziz Issah and Ibrahim Diarra. On paper, he was tied down long term, with a contract running until 2027. On the pitch, his start was anything but straightforward.

His first season stalled almost before it began. Bureaucratic issues kept him sidelined for weeks and restricted him to just 10 appearances. By the time the paperwork settled, the campaign was already slipping away.

Last season told a different story. Oduro’s role grew, his presence more constant, as he racked up 23 games for Barça Atletic and finally showed why the club had moved for him in the first place. It still wasn’t enough to secure a future in Blaugrana colours.

Now he cuts ties with Barcelona and takes on a new challenge in France, where Annecy will look to harness his energy and potential on the left flank.

A reshaped left flank for Juliano Belletti

His departure is part of a wider reset at left-back for Juliano Belletti. Neither Oduro nor Jofre Torrents — who has joined Ajax — will be part of Barça Atletic’s plans this season. Two options gone, and a new hierarchy forming.

Into that gap steps Josué Caicedo. The new signing has impressed during pre-season and is already pushing to make the position his own. His emergence changes the picture and gives Belletti a fresh profile on the flank.

There is also a decision looming over Jordi Pesquer. After spending time training with the first team, the club must now define his role and pathway, whether that means minutes with Barça Atletic or something more ambitious.

Depth exists, even if it comes with caveats. Alex Walton is in the squad, while Patricio Pacifico remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury and will be unavailable for some time. To keep options open, Belletti has also tested Landry Farre at left-back, searching for versatility and balance across his back line.

Oduro moves on, Annecy gain a young defender with something to prove, and Barcelona’s left side enters a new era. How quickly that rebuilt flank settles could say plenty about Barça Atletic’s season ahead.