Barcelona continues to scout the Brazilian market for promising talent, and their attention has reportedly turned to Gabriel Veneno, a 16-year-old likened to former Blaugrana star Neymar Junior. Despite a previous unsuccessful pursuit of another young Brazilian, Vitor Roque, the Catalan club remains keen on discovering the next big thing.
Veneno, described as one of Brazil’s footballing gems, is currently part of Atletico Mineiro’s academy. According to reports from Diario AS, Barcelona’s sporting department is closely monitoring the young attacker.
Although Veneno has yet to make his senior debut for Atletico Mineiro, he is highly regarded by both his club and within Brazilian football circles. Primarily operating as a right-sided attacker, his playing style has drawn comparisons to the iconic Neymar.
Challenges for Barcelona in Securing Veneno
Following the unsuccessful attempt to sign Rayan Vitor, who joined AFC Bournemouth, Barcelona has shifted its focus to Veneno, whom they believe possesses world-class potential. However, completing a deal presents significant hurdles.
Atletico Mineiro is reportedly seeking an offer of €20 million plus add-ons for Veneno, a valuation considered high for a player without senior professional experience. Furthermore, Veneno would not be eligible to join Barcelona until next summer, after his 18th birthday in July 2027. This delayed integration means the club would not see an immediate return on investment, a factor that complicates matters given Barcelona’s ongoing financial constraints.
It remains to be seen if Barcelona will pursue Veneno actively, but it is likely to be a lower priority compared to other potential summer transfer targets.
