Report: Barcelona vs Chelsea in Transfer Race for Santos Prodigy | OneFootball

Chelsea and Barcelona Battle for the ‘New Marcelo’: João Victor de Souza

In the ever-evolving world of football, new stars continually emerge, capturing the attention of Europe’s elite clubs. João Victor de Souza, an 18-year-old left-back from Santos FC, is the latest Brazilian prodigy generating buzz. Often dubbed the ‘new Marcelo,’ Souza’s meteoric rise from youth football to Santos’ first team has reportedly sparked interest from Chelsea and Barcelona. AS recently delved into this exciting story, highlighting Souza’s remarkable potential and the intense competition brewing over his signature.

Photo: IMAGO

Rising Star from Brazil

Born in 2006, Souza’s football journey began at Santos’ youth academy, where he initially thrived as an attacking midfielder and winger. However, his transformation into a left-back unlocked his true potential. Earlier this year, he shone in the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, registering a goal and two assists, cementing his status as a prospect to watch.

In his debut for Santos’ senior team against Mirassol, Souza immediately showcased his attacking flair, delivering an assist. Despite limited game time—just 213 minutes across eight matches—his stats are impressive. An 80% success rate in defensive duels and an average of 8.98 recoveries per game underline his balanced approach to attack and defence. At 1.83 metres tall, he combines physical presence with technical elegance, qualities that have drawn comparisons to legendary left-back Marcelo.

Interest from Chelsea and Barcelona

According to AS, both Chelsea and Barcelona have explored signing Souza. For Chelsea, a potential deal would involve loaning the youngster to Strasbourg—owned by BlueCo—for development. Barcelona, known for cultivating young talent, could also provide an appealing destination. Meanwhile, Saudi clubs have reportedly joined the race, further complicating the picture.

Santos, aware of the growing interest, is working to extend Souza’s contract, which currently expires in May 2025. The player’s future will largely depend on his performances under new manager Leandro Zago, whose decisions over the coming months could significantly impact Souza’s trajectory.

Filling a Void in Brazilian Football

Brazil has long struggled to find a successor to Marcelo and Filipe Luís at left-back. While names like Renan Lodi and Alex Telles have auditioned for the role, none have truly impressed. Souza’s emergence offers hope for a long-term solution. Already a key figure in Brazil’s youth setup, he was part of the squad that won the 2023 South American U-17 Championship and featured in the U-17 World Cup.

For now, all eyes are on his development at Santos and how he navigates the European interest swirling around him. The coming transfer windows will likely define whether Souza can step up to the challenge of elite football.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

João Victor de Souza represents everything Chelsea should be targeting: young, dynamic, and technically gifted. Chelsea’s vision of signing him and loaning him to Strasbourg reflects a smart, long-term strategy. Developing him in a less pressured environment before integrating him into the Premier League makes sense, especially given his limited senior experience.

Souza’s ability to combine defensive reliability with attacking ingenuity is precisely what Chelsea needs in the post-Marc Cucurella era. With Ben Chilwell prone to injuries, securing a player like Souza could ensure depth and competition in the left-back position. Moreover, at 18, he embodies the ethos of sustainable squad building that has become a hallmark of the club’s recruitment policy under BlueCo ownership.

Photo: IMAGO

However, competition from Barcelona adds a layer of intrigue. Historically, Barcelona’s style has been attractive to Brazilian players, offering them an ideal platform to express their technical prowess. But Chelsea’s financial muscle and developmental framework give them a strong advantage.

In short, Souza’s potential transfer is more than just another signing—it’s a glimpse into Chelsea’s future ambitions. If the Blues succeed in bringing him to Stamford Bridge, fans could be witnessing the start of something truly special.