Barcelona in race to sign €15 million-rated Brazilian gem dubbed the ‘new Marcelo’ | OneFootball

It is no secret that FC Barcelona are always on the lookout for up-and-coming young talents in Brazil.

While their last signing from the region, Vitor Roque, did not work out, the Catalans continue to monitor players bursting onto the scene at a young age in the South American nation.

Souza on Barcelona’s radar

In that regard, AS reports that Joao Victor de Souza of Santos has popped up on the radar of Barcelona.

Just 19 years old, Souza is regarded as one of the brightest talents at Santos FC and the young left-back is tipped for a bright future in the game, with former Barça great Neymar taking him under his wing.

Several teams are already monitoring his situation ahead of next summer, with Barcelona understood to be among them, along with Bayern Munich.

Souza is on Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images)

The Blaugrana’s interest in the young full-back, who has been dubbed the ‘new Marcelo’, dates back to the end of the last season in Brazil, although at the time the club did not make any moves.

Chelsea did make an informal offer for the Brazilian gem last summer, for him to join their sister club Strasbourg, but nothing came of it.

Santos, for their part, does not want to hear of any possible departure of one of its gems until at least the end of the current season.

Recently renewed until December 2028, the Brazilian club has already rejected an initial approach from Saudi Arabia a few months ago.

The report states that Souza’s transfer fee is likely to be around €15 million, even though his release clause is almost three times that value.