Barcelona monitoring Palmeiras wonderkid with €100 million release clause – report | OneFootball

Barcelona are keeping a close eye on Palmeiras youngster Eduardo Conceicao amid the teenage midfielder’s representation for Brazil at the UEFA Friendship Tournament in Switzerland.

According to SPORT, Barça have been following the Brazilian talent during the competition, using the tournament as an opportunity to assess his development against some of Europe’s leading youth sides.

The club has not, however, taken any steps towards a transfer, as Conceicao is still waiting to turn 18, meaning Barcelona’s interest remains at the monitoring stage for now.

Conceicao catches Barcelona’s attention

The Palmeiras youngster, 16, made an immediate impression in Brazil’s opening fixture, scoring during a 6-0 demolition of Canada.

Brazil subsequently suffered a 1-3 defeat to Spain before recovering with a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast. That result secured their place in the third-place play-off against Colombia.

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As per the outlet, Barcelona were present in Nyon to watch the tournament and assess several young players, with Conceicao among those attracting attention.

The midfielder is regarded within Barça’s sporting structure as a player with considerable potential, although the club has made it clear that admiration has not yet developed into formal negotiations.

Palmeiras protect their prized asset

Unfortunately, Palmeiras have already taken steps to protect their investment. 

As such, the Brazilian club has handed Conceicao his first professional contract, with a release clause worth at least €100 million, a figure that would make any potential move extremely complicated, particularly for Barcelona, who continue to operate under financial constraints in the transfer market.

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The clause also gives Palmeiras significant leverage if interest in the youngster grows before he reaches the age at which a European transfer becomes possible.

Barcelona assessing Conceicao’s development

Indeed, there is still plenty of time for Conceicao’s trajectory to change. 

While his talent is widely recognised, some assessments have questioned whether his development has progressed as quickly as expected, making the Friendship Tournament particularly useful for Barcelona. 

Rather than making an immediate commitment, the club can evaluate how the Palmeiras midfielder performs against stronger opposition and whether his recent displays suggest another step forward.