Barcelona have shifted their focus entirely to the summer transfer window after confirming the La Liga title with a game to spare.
The Catalan giants may not have any more silverware to chase this season, but their off-pitch ambitions are just beginning to heat up.
Sporting director Deco has already begun the groundwork for incoming transfers.
While midfield and full-back reinforcements remain a priority, Barcelona’s continued push to snap up emerging global talent is set to dominate headlines.
The club’s recent track record of acquiring youthful stars shows a clear long-term strategy of buying low and developing within.
Now, the Blaugrana have set their sights on Colombia’s rising star Neyser Villarreal, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The 20-year-old forward, currently playing for Millonarios FC in Colombia, is generating serious interest in Catalonia following an explosive campaign at the South American U-20 Championship, where he clinched the Golden Boot with 8 goals.
Barcelona reportedly scouted Neyser Villarreal during the tournament and have continued monitoring his development, impressed by his sharp finishing and movement off the ball.
His current deal with Millonarios expires in December, and the player has already rejected an extension.
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This puts the Colombian side under pressure to sell, potentially allowing Barcelona to negotiate a cut-price deal.
Atletico Madrid had previously struck a €4 million agreement with Millonarios, but Villarreal and his agents turned down the move, prioritising the right project over money.
He also dismissed interest from Vasco da Gama earlier this year, further underlining his ambition to make a calculated leap into European football.
Barcelona could swoop in and offer him a pathway via their reserve side or loan him out to gain valuable experience in Spanish football before integrating him into the first team.
It remains to be seen whether the Catalans accelerate their pursuit in the coming weeks, but they are clearly serious about adding Villarreal to their roster of emerging stars.
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