Barcelona and Real Madrid set to battle it out for the next big Brazilian talent

According to reports from El Nacional, Barcelona and Real Madrid are among several European clubs that have sent their representatives to Brazil to keep tabs on the ongoing Sao Paulo Junior Cup, also termed as the Copinha.

Sao Paulo Junior Cup has been the breeding ground for some of the country’s top talents, with Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. being the last big name to come out of it.

The tournament is usually held for U-20 players but since the previous edition was scrapped owing to COVID-19 restrictions, those who did not get the chance to feature last year have been permitted to compete.

This means there’s a big scope of finding the new South American jewel this year, resulting in scouts from several top European clubs being sent for a task. Sao Paulo Junior Cup has never been a mundane competition as players like Neymar, Casemiro, Marquinhos, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli have once in their career played in the tournament.

This year’s edition will be no different, to say the least. One name that has been popping out is that of Cruzeiro’s Vitor Roque. At just 16 years of age, the right-winger has played five games for his team in Serie B, country’s second division competition, and is expected to attract several suitors.

Legendary striker Ronaldo Nazario, who happens to be the owner of Cruzeiro, knows the fact and has reportedly embedded a release clause of €300 million in Roque’s contract.

Meanwhile, Fluminense will have top representation as well. The Brazilian press has been focusing on John Kennedy and Matheus Martins, both of whom have already featured for the first team.

Above all, Matheus Franca’s name has been glittering as well. The 17-year-old Flamengo midfielder reportedly has a €100 million clause for European clubs and given his versatility, he is likely to grab a few eyeballs during the tournament.

Sao Paulo Junior Cup 2022 is rightly expected to be a feast for the European giants as they are constantly digging the market for football’s ‘next big thing’.