Barcelona have sent scouts to Switzerland to run the rule over one of South America’s most talked about teenagers, a player Liverpool were reportedly chasing earlier this year.
With club football paused for the international break, Europe’s leading sides have been busy at youth tournaments across the continent.
For Barcelona, the priority was the UEFA Friendship Tournament in Nyon, an under 18 event that also allows under 17 sides such as Brazil to take part.
According to Tomas Andreu of SPORT, Barca’s scouts were in Nyon to assess the current form of one player in particular.
16 year old Palmeiras forward Eduardo Conceicao made an immediate impression, scoring as Brazil thrashed Canada by six goals to nil.
Brazil then lost to Spain before beating Ivory Coast to set up a third place play off against Colombia.
SPORT reports that Barça’s sporting department regards him as a huge talent but has taken no firm steps towards a signing, as any move cannot happen until he turns 18.
Andreu also notes that some sources point to a degree of stagnation in his development, which made the Nyon tournament a valuable chance to watch him against top opposition.
Liverpool supporters will recognise the name.
In April, UOL journalist Flavio Latif reported that Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City had all held talks with Conceicao’s representatives.
Brazilian outlet RTI Esporte later claimed the Reds had been told a fee of around £35 million would be required.
Palmeiras have been determined not to let him go cheaply.
Youth coordinator João Paulo Sampaio confirmed the club had rejected bids from English clubs worth between £17 million and £22 million, while ESPN Brazil reported that Manchester City were in pole position thanks to their relationship with Palmeiras following the deals for Gabriel Jesus and Vitor Reis.
Born in São Paulo on 7 December 2009, Conceicao has been at Palmeiras since 2018 and signed his first professional contract in January, running until 2029.
The deal includes a release clause of €100 million for clubs abroad.
Primarily a right footed left winger who can also play as a number 10, he drew comparisons with Vinícius Júnior after starring at the Copinha.
FIFA rules mean he cannot move to Europe until December 2027, giving every interested club plenty of time to watch and wait.
There have also been reports that the youngster would favour a move to Barcelona.
Whether Liverpool remain firmly in the race is unclear, but with Barça now watching closely, the battle for one of Brazil’s brightest prospects is only intensifying.
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