Chelsea are keeping João Bezerra on their list of monitored Brazilian prospects according to European journalists. Now the interest has been covered in the Brazilian press.
Reports from [**Lance!**](https://www.lance.com.br/futebol-internacional/atacante-do-sub-17-do-internacional-esta-na-mira-do-chelsea.html) highlight that the Premier League side have been tracking the 16-year-old striker’s development at Internacional and are aware of the €60m release clause included in his current deal.
The London club cannot move immediately due to FIFA rules, but they are expected to revisit the case in June 2026, when the youngster turns 17.
Brazilian outlets clarify that there has been no direct contact so far, yet Bezerra’s performances have kept Chelsea attentive. But why is he seen as one of the strongest prospects of his age group?
#### Who is João Bezerra?
Born on 29 June 2009, he stands at 1.88m and plays as a classic central striker. He joined Internacional aged eight, moved through futsal, society and the full-size pitch, and only shifted to the forward role when he was 11. He has also represented Brazil at youth level.
Right-footed and quick on the ball, his style of play reminds of Aleksander Isak: an explosive forward that can cover an entire space with just a few steps. His eye for a goal with first touches and headers makes him a stand-out in youth competitions.
He recently scored the goal that put Internacional into the final of a local U17 tournament last weekend, adding to a season in which he has 15 goals in 24 matches.
Local reports include extended comments from the player about his path through the academy. Speaking to [**O Globo**](https://oglobo.globo.com/esportes/especial/a-base-vem-forte-joao-bezerra-e-luis-otavio-as-joias-do-internacional-que-voce-precisa-conhecer.ghtml) last year, Bezerra said: _“I signed with an agency when I was 11. They believe in me a lot. I take that as motivation to work harder and show my value.”_
He listed his goal records at the club and added: _“Since I started understanding football, I’ve been inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo. His physical shape, his mentality… I want to play in that style. I play central, I head the ball, I hold up play, I take penalties.”_
Internacional director Jorge Andrade also praised the youngster, telling the outlet: _“João is a goalscorer. The expectation is that he will be fully formed here. Maybe we are building a great striker for Internacional and for Brazilian football.”_
For now, Chelsea continue to track his progress while he prepares for another season in the academy system. How their interest will evolve when he becomes eligible to leave Brazil remains open.