Barcelona have confirmed the signing of Ecuadorian teenager Josue Caicedo on an initial loan deal from LDU Quito, with the Catalan club securing an option to make the move permanent.
The 18-year-old will join Juliano Belletti’s Barca Atletic squad for the 2026-27 campaign as the reserve side prepare to compete in Spain’s fourth-tier Segunda Federacion.
Barcelona confirmed the transfer on Monday, with the agreement including a €2.5 million purchase option at the end of the season.
Caicedo arrives in Catalonia after breaking into the LDU Quito first team in Ecuador. He made seven LigaPro appearances this season and also earned his Copa Libertadores debut.
Primarily a left-back, the Ecuador youth international offers flexibility on the left flank and can also operate further forward as a winger.
“Caicedo is a left-back with enormous potential and a distinctly offensive mindset. He stands out for his physical presence, his ability to cover the entire flank, his power, and an explosiveness that allows him to create imbalances in the final third,” the club noted in an official statement.
“His versatility also allows him to play in more advanced positions on the pitch, specifically as a left-winger.”
The move gives Barca Atletic another young prospect with first-team experience as Belletti continues to shape his squad for the new campaign.
Caicedo’s attacking qualities and ability to cover multiple positions could make him a valuable option on Barcelona’s left side, while the purchase clause gives the club the opportunity to assess his development before committing to a permanent transfer.
