Barcelona closely tracking 16-year-old Sao Paulo prodigy also wanted by Ajax and Benfica | OneFootball

Barcelona’s scouting department continues to cast a wide net across South America, and their latest target is a young Brazilian talent already turning heads in his homeland. 

According to a report from SPORT, the Catalan giants are keeping a very close eye on Sao Paulo’s emerging gem, Gustavo Zabarelli, a player born in 2009 who has been lighting up Brazil’s youth scene.

At just 16 years old, Zabarelli has already earned a reputation as one of the brightest prospects in Sao Paulo’s academy. 

The midfielder, who also holds an Italian passport, could see his potential move to Europe accelerated due to fewer bureaucratic hurdles. 

This detail gives Barcelona a major advantage, as the club is always on the lookout for young stars who can join La Masia without complicated registration issues.

Barcelona have subtle advantage

It is to be noted that Sao Paulo are currently facing financial difficulties, and this has forced the club to part ways with several homegrown players in recent months. 

Gustavo Zabarelli is on Barcelona’s radar. (Picture courtesy: Instagram / @zabag10)

Zabarelli could be the next big name to leave, especially since his agent, Giuliano Bertolucci, has reportedly received multiple enquiries from top European sides eager to secure the midfielder’s signature.

Notably, the youngster typically operates as a classic number ten but can also be deployed as a right winger, cutting inside with his stronger foot. 

For what it is worth, Barcelona scouts see him as a player who fits the La Masia profile perfectly.

Several interested parties

Currently, Zabarelli is not short of suitors. Alongside Barcelona, Ajax, and Benfica are tracking his development closely, while Italian clubs are also monitoring his situation.

What makes Zabarelli’s case particularly intriguing is that his representatives want him to complete his football education in Europe before making his professional debut. 

That vision aligns closely with Barcelona’s philosophy, making this a potential transfer story worth keeping an eye on in the coming months.