FC Barcelona are always on the lookout for young talent with potential across the globe, with particular focus on the South American market.
The Blaugrana have been tracking a number of young pearls in the continent, particularly in Brazil, where they were credited with strong interest in Eduardo Conceicao and Riquelme Felipe not long ago.
Barcelona eyeing Gabriel Veneno
Now, according to AS, one of the names in Brazil currently attracting attention of Barcelona is Gabriel Veneno of Atletico Mineiro.
The 16-year-old winger, who has been dubbed the ‘new Neymar’, is among the options being considered from the Brazilian market by the Blaugrana.
Currently, a part of the Atletico Mineiro U-17 setup, the right-sided winger made four appearances in the Copinha tournament earlier this year and left a strong impression.
Fee and age issue
However, as per the report, Atletico Mineiro would demand approximately €20 million plus bonuses for the player.
It is a figure that Barcelona consider relatively high given that he has yet to make his first-team debut for the Brazilian club and operates in the same position as Lamine Yamal.
On top of that, Veneno’s age also creates an additional complication, as regulations would prevent him from moving to Europe until he reaches the age of 18, at which point he could be registered with Barça Atletic.
Despite these obstacles, Gabriel Veneno’s name is beginning to gain increasing attention and Barcelona want to move quickly should they decide to pursue his signing.