The summer transfer window will soon be in full swing, with hundreds of players moving from one club to another and in some cases from one continent to another. Whenever a top European club is linked to a rising Brazilian star fans start wondering if the next Neymar or Vinícius Júnior could be about to land at their club.
But who are the next generation of young Brazilians catching the attention of scouts from the Premier League, La Liga, the Bundesliga and Serie A? Who can follow in the footsteps of the likes of Romario, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho by crossing the Atlantic Ocean to conquer the ‘Old Continent’?
Matching the achievements of those big names is a tall order but Brazil’s football factory keeps delivering the goods, year after year. In fact, Brazilian is the best represented non-English nationality in the Premier League according to fbref.com, with 36 players from Brazil playing in England at present.
Let’s take a look at five names who could be on the move to the Premier League or one of Europe’s other top leagues this summer:
VITOR ROQUE – Athletico-PR, 18 years-old
The brilliant young Athletico Paranaense striker is one of the players most frequently mentioned by European observers of the Brazilian Championship. Top scorer in the U-20 South American Championship with six goals, alongside midfielder Andrey Santos, the talented number nine has been watched by Barcelona for months.
Some English clubs have also shown an interest in the young forward, but Catalonia could be the next destination of the player who’s team was runner-up at the last Copa Libertadores. Several Spanish media outlets are reporting on the negotiations between Hurricane and Barça, in a move which could work out at €35 million plus add ons. The main question currently seems to be whether Vitor Roque will head to FC Barcelona now or in January.
LUCAS BERALDO – São Paulo, 19 years-old
Defender Lucas Beraldo has had a meteoric rise for São Paulo this season. In all, the Piracicaban has played 24 matches in 2023, of which 23 were as a starter, and he is already an irreplaceable player in the defence of São Paulo coach Dorival Júnior.
With the high level of quality he has shown already, several English clubs have already consulted the Morumbi team about the left-footed defender, according to information from Itatiaia. In addition, Borussia Dortmund have also shown interest in the player and could be ready to make an offer. São Paulo have 60% of Beraldo’s ownership rights and they are looking for at least €15 million for the completion of a possible sale this summer.
PABLO MAIA – São Paulo, 21 years-old
The gifted young midfielder, like Lucas Beraldo, is another name that could leave São Paulo in this summer’s transfer window. One of the pillars of coach Dorival Júnior’s team, Maia has been attracting the attention of Premier League clubs since last year.
In an interview with journalists Arnaldo Ribeiro and Eduardo Tironi, São Paulo’s football coordinator, Muricy Ramalho, stated “there is no way, there will be no proposal” for the young player.
MARCOS LEONARDO – Santos, 20 years-old
At the age of 20, Marcos Leonardo is already one of the big names at Santos. With a keen eye for goal and showing great maturity for his age, the number nine has been assuming responsibility not only with Santos, but also with the national team as well. For the Brazilian U-20 team, the striker had a great campaign at the U-20 World Cup, despite them being eliminated by Israel.
With five goals scored in the tournament, the player even left his future open while he was in Argentina: “I can kick ass here and not return to Santos”, he said. Brazil ended up being eliminated earlier than expected, and he returned to Vila Belmiro. The attention of several top European clubs, however, had been captured.
It won’t be easy for anyone to sign Leonardo though, as his contract with Santos is valid until 2026 and has a release clause of €100 million.
MATHEUS FRANÇA – Flamengo, 19 years-old
Flamengo’s attacking midfielder Matheus França has scored three goals and notched one assist this season in 27 matches (11 as a starter). His stats alone may not be that impressive, but the pure talent of the 19 year-old has caught the attention of clubs in Europe.
One of those clubs is Arsenal, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Gunners are monitoring the youngster, but have not yet made a formal offer. In January Flamengo rejected an offer of €20 million for França’s services from Newcastle, but they may not be able to turn Arsenal away, depending on how deep the Gunners’ pockets are this summer.
