In recent months, Barcelona has been associated with a number of emerging teenage talents, and in particular it seems that they have an increased focus on Brazilian football since the arrival of Deco director of football. The last one who reportedly comes to their radar is Flamengo talent Ryan Roberto.
Only 17 years old, Roberto is a right foot that stands out for his dribbling capacity and tends to work on the left, cutting in the field. So far he has to make his senior debut for Flamengo, but he is appreciated by manager Filipe Luis, Say Globo (via Semper Barca). This season he made four performances for Flamengo's Under-20 Lace and once he scored in the 'Copinha'.
The Brazilian outlet explains that for that reason a departure seems unlikely for Roberto. Barcelona and Ajax have asked about his availability, but as one of the richest clubs in Latin -America, Flamengo will have little need to sell. Roberto arrived from Athletico Paranaense in 2023, but retained 50% of his rights. Flamengo has an option to buy another 20% for € 1.5 million, but has not done so far.
Roberto has made his name in the first place with the Brazilian side below 17, but has also spent time with below 20 side. He is the newest Brazilian teenager connected to Barcelona, with them Lucas associated with the Catalan giants last month. However, there is some discussion about how much interest there was on the side of Barcelona in those links. Barcelona was supposedly in advanced conversations to sign Lucas, but so far nothing has happened.
In May, however, Barcelona also took 17-year-old Joao Lucas at the trial in La Masia from Sao Paulo, although he eventually returned to Brazil without a sign of a deal on the horizon.