The 18-year-old Ecuadorian full-back Josué Caicedo has arrived in the Catalan capital a full month after the official announcement of his signing with Barcelona Atlètic, following the resolution of bureaucratic issues that delayed his joining the reserve team's training sessions, which concluded its pre-season camp last Sunday at Val d'en Bas stadium in Girona.
Barcelona Atlètic had officially announced the signing of Caicedo on July 13 last, via a loan with an option to buy for 2.5 million euros from the Ecuadorian club LDU Quito, which may become mandatory if a series of conditions are met; however, bureaucratic issues prevented him from traveling from Ecuador and joining his new teammates on the scheduled date of July 20.
Upon his arrival at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, Caicedo revealed his clear goals, saying: "Grateful to everyone here. I want to be a champion and stay here. My dream is to make my debut in the first division with Barcelona," showing his great ambition despite his young age.
The Ecuadorian player possesses high-level physical and technical abilities, distinguished by great attacking capacity, agility, and quick reflexes—qualities he shares with his favorite player at the Catalan club, as he told the media waiting for him in Barcelona: "My role model at Barcelona is Balde."
Caicedo also revealed that he has not "been able to speak with Deco" yet, but he "trained" during the month of waiting, as he was unable to join the reserve team due to the bureaucratic problems that hindered his travel.
Despite his young age, Caicedo played 8 matches with LDU Quito's first team, totaling 344 minutes, and the promising defender made his debut in the Copa Libertadores on May 26 last against Bolivia's Always Ready, gaining early international experience that enhances his value.
Barcelona has high expectations for the young player, but the club's management also recognizes that he will need a period of adaptation and sufficient time to integrate into the Catalan style of play before he can compete for a spot in the first team and achieve his dream of playing in the first division.
