FC Barcelona has been actively seeking to strengthen its squad with emerging young talent in recent years. Since the arrival of Football Director Deco, the club has pursued several teenage prospects from across Europe and Africa.
Often, this strategy involves taking a chance on relatively unknown talents or players from smaller clubs that Barcelona can acquire. The latest name on their radar is Samuele Inacio, considered one of the premier talents of his age globally. The 18-year-old is already subject to an international tug-of-war for his allegiance between Italy and Brazil.
According to BILD (via MD), Barcelona is monitoring the situation of the teenage playmaker. Reports suggest they are willing to either pay a modest transfer fee or sign him on a free transfer next summer when his contract expires. Barcelona has reportedly contacted his agents, proposing a move to play for Barca Atletic while training with the first team. Paris Saint-Germain has made a similar offer to Inacio.
Borussia Dortmund is keen to retain Inacio and has presented him with a contract offer. He currently earns approximately €150,000 per annum, and their latest proposal aims to increase his salary to €500,000 per annum while offering him a role within the first team. Fabrizio Romano indicates that although a deal is not finalized, Inacio is on track to renew his contract with Dortmund.
Inacio, an attacking midfielder, can also play on the wing. He has represented Italy at the under-19 level, scoring on his debut. Inacio made his debut for Dortmund against Bayern Munich in late February. He has since featured four times for Dortmund’s senior team, making his first start against Freiburg last weekend.