Barcelona is closing in on a promising young talent from Santos, edging closer to securing a deal valued at around €20 million.
The club has intensified its pursuit of this 19-year-old left-back, who has already established himself as a key player for Santos, showcasing maturity, pace, and a blend of defensive solidity with attacking prowess.
His rise has caught the attention of several European giants, but Barcelona believes it holds a distinct advantage in the race for his signature.
Despite stiff competition from clubs like Chelsea and Bayern Munich, Barcelona is keen to leverage a significant outstanding debt owed by Santos to the Catalan club, reportedly amounting to nearly €3 million.
The player in question is Joao Victor de Souza, a highly-rated left-back whose contract with Santos runs until the end of 2028.
This debt, stemming from a past ruling related to Neymar’s transfer, could be instrumental in reducing the direct transfer cost, giving Barcelona a financial edge in negotiations.
By offsetting part of the transfer fee against this owed amount, Barcelona aims to strike a favourable deal that benefits both their sporting project and Santos’ economic needs.
Joao Victor fits perfectly with Barcelona’s long-term vision, being a young, tactically disciplined, and versatile left-back.
His ability to contribute both in defensive phases and offensive transitions aligns well with Hansi Flick’s system, which emphasises a possession-based but dynamic style of play.
Coaches within the club see him as a player who can develop further under Barcelona’s guidance and eventually contend for a starting role in a position where the club has had doubts recently.
His signing would mark another step in Barcelona’s policy of rejuvenating the squad with young, high-potential talents.
While the outcome remains pending, Barcelona’s strategy of combining financial ingenuity with scouting excellence seems poised to land them this Brazilian sensation.
This deal could prove crucial for reinforcing the squad’s defensive depth while bolstering the club’s long-term ambitions at the highest level.
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