With talented young stars such as Rodrygo or Reinier moving across the lake, what’s left on the conveyor belt of South American talent?
Let’s take a look at five wonderkids who could all follow suit when the transfer window reopens.
Marcos Paulo, 19, Centre Forward, Fluminense (Brazil)
Born and raised in São Gonçalo, a suburb of Rio de Janeiro, Paulo has recently decided to play for Portugal at youth level. Likened to Brazil and Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus, Paulo is an all-round complete forward. With a strong aerial prowess, he’s an instinctive finisher but versatile enough to bring teammates into play and build an attack.
The young star has been at Fluminense since the age of 11. In 2017 he signed his first professional contract - with the Brazilian club quick to include a 45-million-euro release clause. It wasn’t until the 2019 season when he broke into the 1st team, scoring 4 goals in 24 domestic games. His first goal, came on the continental stage in the Copa Sudamericana, with a 3-1 win over Uruguayan giants Peñarol.
Later that year it was reported that Barcelona officials flew out to Brazil to negotiate with the player, only to be rebuffed by Fluminense after a 5 million euro offer fell significantly short of what the Brazilian club had in mind. It seems to be just a matter of time before another European club comes knocking on Fluminense’s door. Reports in January this year mentioned Real Madrid, Newcastle and RB Sports Group all lurking.
Wuilker Fariñez, 22, Goalkeeper, Millonarios (Colombia)
Known to many since 2017, Fariñez was a key figure in guiding Venezuela to their first ever FIFA final at the 2017 U-20 World Cup. Now Venezuela’s number one goalkeeper, he signed his first professional contract with Caracas FC at the tender age of just 14 - before being promoted as the clubs 1st choice goalkeeper three years later.
Having played some 85 games for Caracas by the age of 19, he was snapped up by Colombian side Millonarios following his impressive performances at the U-20 World Cup. At just 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in), Fariñez lacks in height but makes up for it with speed and agility. Known for his incredible flying saves, his immense physical attributes have drawn interest from around the globe. Nicknamed El Felino (The Cat), his triple-save against Atlético Nacional in March of last year triggered football accounts across social media into a frenzy.
Now with experience at a higher level and over 150 senior games in the locker, the time may have come for the diminutive goalkeeper to look for a new challenge. With concrete interest from both Barcelona and Benfica, in May 2019 BabaGol reported of Fariñez’s dream to play in Europe - that dream may not be too far away.
Gabriel Veron, 17 Winger, Palmeiras (Brazil)
Dubbed the new Neymar - Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea are just a handful of clubs interested in acquiring Veron’s services. It was no surprise when he won Golden Ball at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Brazil themselves secured their fourth title at this level as Veron contributed three goals in the process.
An Electric pace, low center of gravity and a devastating eye for a pass, he signed for Palmeiras in 2017 after joining from his local side Santa Cruz de Natal. Aptly named after former Argentine international Juan Sebastián Verón – Gabriel has since gone onto make three appearances scoring two goals in one match, a 5-1 win at home against Goiás with Veron providing an assist in the process.
In recent days, Arsenal have shown interest with further reports of a £13.2million offer from Everton rejected.
Thiago Almada, 18, Attacking Midfielder, Vélez Sarsfield (Argentina)
Unearthed in the Fuerte Apache district, Almada will have to go some way to reach the heights of the most famous star from this neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Carlos Tevez.
He is arguably the most established player in this list of wonderkids. With 36 appearances in two seasons and 7 goals under his belt, the 1.67m (5ft 5in) playmaker had established himself as a 1st team regular under ex-Manchester United Gabriel Heinze. With Heinze moving on this month and ex-Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino taking charge, the question will be whether Vélez can hold onto their prize asset when football returns.
Inter Milan, Manchester City and Liverpool are all rumoured to be interested in signing the 18-year-old. But there is also local interest - Boca are waiting for his contract to expire in June 2020. Despite the pull of following his idols footsteps, Boca may find it challenging to beat Europe’s mega clubs funds and appeal.
Talles Magno, 17, Forward, Vasco da Gama (Brazil)
Having grown up a stone’s-throw from Vasco’s stadium, this young talent follows in the footsteps of his role models - Ronaldo and Romario. Making his debut in Brazil’s top flight at the age of 16, this exciting talent can play anywhere across the front line. A scintillating pace with the ability to go past players at ease, the wonderkid has already made 15 appearances for Vasco’s 1st team scoring 2 goals in the process.
Touted to be a part of Brazil’s Olympic squad in Japan, Vasco are well aware of Magno’s potential and are said to be in the process of negotiating a new contract with a bumper release clause. In the world of modern football however, a new contract is rarely seen as a barrier.
With Lyon, Liverpool and Juventus all interested in signing the forward, you suspect it’s just a matter of time before any potential barrier is bypassed.
