Barcelona to increase scouting efforts throughout South America; one teenager in sight

Barcelona are intensifying its give attention to the South American soccer market, with the membership’s scouting community set to be notably lively within the area initially of the 12 months. 

In keeping with SPORT, two of Barcelona’s scouts can be attending key soccer occasions in South America, together with the Sao Paulo Juniors Cup, often known as “The Copinha,” and the South American U-20 Championship.

It’s no secret that South America has at all times been a vital marketplace for high European golf equipment, and Barcelona aren’t any exception. 

The Copinha, which takes place from January 2 to 25, presents a particular alternative for scouts this 12 months. This version can be distinctive as a result of a number of Brazilian golf equipment are sending youthful squads to the match. 

These groups are sending gamers from their U-20 sides, because the first-team gamers can be concerned in regional championships and preseason actions. 

This offers scouts an opportunity to identify rising expertise early on earlier than they make their mark on the skilled stage.

Eager eye on the South American U-20 Championship

Franco Mastantuono is on Barcelona’s radar. (Photograph by Daniel Jayo/Getty Pictures)

Along with the Copinha, Barcelona scouts may also preserve a detailed eye on the South American U-20 Championship, which has been moved from Peru to Venezuela. 

This match, scheduled from January 23 to February 16, affords extra than simply the prospect to see younger expertise—4 spots within the U-20 World Cup can be up for grabs. 

Among the many standout gamers to observe is 17-year-old Argentine Franco Mastantuono, who is predicted to make waves within the competitors.

The match guarantees to be a extremely aggressive one, with Group B that includes a number of the area’s high footballing nations: Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia, and Bolivia. 

For Barcelona, the give attention to South American expertise is a long-term technique to make sure they’ve entry to a number of the best-emerging gamers who might strengthen the membership sooner or later. 

With the area constantly producing top-level footballers, Barcelona’s elevated scouting presence might be a key consider figuring out the following star to put on the Blaugrana shirt.