Barcelona keeping close eye on Brazil U17 captain as €15m transfer opportunity emerges | OneFootball

Barcelona’s constant search for emerging talent has once again led the club’s recruitment team to Brazil, where 17-year-old midfielder Ze Lucas is making waves. 

According to reports from Brazilian outlet Globo, relayed by AS, the Catalan giants are quietly monitoring the young prospect as he continues to command attention at the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar.

The interest from Europe, including Barcelona, comes at a crucial moment for the player’s club, Sport Recife. 

The Brazilian side has reportedly sent its sporting director to Qatar with a clear intention, which is to open the door for possible offers for their prized academy product. 

With significant financial difficulties looming over the club, the expectation is that Ze Lucas could be sold for around €15 million, a figure Recife believes reflects his potential. 

In fact, reports claim that bids close to €12 million have already been turned down for being far below expectations, highlighting the club’s determination to maximise the youngster’s value.

Barcelona know the situation

Within Barcelona, Deco and the scouting department have been presented with the proposal like many others. 

Barcelona are tracking Ze Lucas. (Photo by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images)

However, sources insist the club has not taken any formal steps towards initiating a transfer. 

Even so, the Brazilian media continues to suggest that Barça are monitoring every detail of Ze Lucas’ progress during the tournament, reinforcing the idea that the youngster remains firmly on their radar.

Captaining the national team

At the U17 World Cup, Ze Lucas has embraced a leadership role. As the captain of Brazil, he has started all three group-stage matches and contributed one assist. 

Brazil have already secured their place in the round of 16, where they are set to face Paraguay today. 

Meanwhile, his situation at club level is far more complicated. Sport Recife have been mathematically relegated, collecting only 17 points from 32 matches. 

Individually, Ze Lucas has struggled to make a statistical impact in 2025, registering no goals or assists, but scouts remain convinced that his raw ability and leadership make him a standout long-term prospect.