Barcelona are intensifying its focus on the South American football market, with the club’s scouting network set to be particularly active in the region at the start of the year.
According to SPORT, two of Barcelona’s scouts will be attending key football events in South America, including the Sao Paulo Juniors Cup, also known as “The Copinha,” and the South American U-20 Championship.
It is no secret that South America has always been a crucial market for top European clubs, and Barcelona are no exception.
The Copinha, which takes place from January 2 to 25, presents a special opportunity for scouts this year. This edition will be unique because several Brazilian clubs are sending younger squads to the tournament.
These teams are sending players from their U-20 sides, as the first-team players will be involved in regional championships and preseason activities.
This gives scouts a chance to spot emerging talent early on before they make their mark at the professional level.
Keen eye on the South American U-20 Championship
Franco Mastantuono is on Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images)
In addition to the Copinha, Barcelona scouts will also keep a close eye on the South American U-20 Championship, which has been moved from Peru to Venezuela.
This tournament, scheduled from January 23 to February 16, offers more than just the chance to see young talent—four spots in the U-20 World Cup will be up for grabs.
Among the standout players to watch is 17-year-old Argentine Franco Mastantuono, who is expected to make waves in the competition.
The tournament promises to be a highly competitive one, with Group B featuring some of the region’s top footballing nations: Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia, and Bolivia.
For Barcelona, the focus on South American talent is a long-term strategy to ensure they have access to some of the best-emerging players who could strengthen the club in the future.
With the region consistently producing top-level footballers, Barcelona’s increased scouting presence could be a key factor in identifying the next star to wear the Blaugrana shirt.