Barcelona interested in 19-year-old Brazilian centre-back, could cost €15 million – report

With Deco now at the helm of the transfer affairs at Barcelona, there appears to be a more distinct focus on young, up-and-coming talents from Brazil, owing to his knowledge of the market in South America.

Vitor Roque has already been signed by Barcelona, who are also working on the potential acquisition of teenage midfield prodigy Gabriel Moscardo from Corinthians.

Other names such as Lorran of Fluminense have also been linked with a move to the La Liga champions.

Lucas Beraldo on Barcelona’s radar

Now, a report from Brazil-based journalist Gabriel Sa claims that FC Barcelona have also shown an interest in Sao Paulo centre-back prospect Lucas Beraldo.

The 19-year-old central defender has been with the club since 2020 and has accumulated 42 senior appearances for the Brazilian giants, even scoring a goal in the process.

A talented, young player, Beraldo is a left-footed centre-half making quite an impression in his short professional career with Sao Paulo thus far.

The Brazilian talent has a long-term contract with his current club until the summer of 2026.

The report suggests that Barcelona could be weighing up an offer for Beraldo towards the end of the year, but Sao Paulo do not intend to sell the youngster for cheap.

Beraldo could cost €15 million

Journalist Jorge Nicola has also brought forward an update on the situation surrounding Beraldo and any potential interest from Barcelona.

As per the journalist, the 19-year-old’s camp has not had any direct contact with Barça thus far, while he also adds that Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion could be interested in him.

It is further claimed that Beraldo has a €60 million release clause in his contract with Sao Paulo, but the Brazilians could be willing to accept a €15 million fee in exchange for his sale.

Given that Barcelona already have a plethora of centre-back options, it does seem unlikely that they could be trying to sign Beraldo unless they plan on loaning him out to continue his development.