Barcelona assessing move after being offered U-20 South American Championship top scorer | OneFootball

There have been several high-profile names from South America in the illustrious history of FC Barcelona, and the Catalans remain highly attentive to the talents emerging in this part of the world.

This was clear from the way they discovered the striker Vitor Roque during the 2023 South American U-20 Championship, even though the Brazilian striker’s stint in Europe was not too successful.

However, as SPORT has reported, the Blaugranes now have the chance to sign one of the most exciting players from the 2025 South American U-20 Championship, the Colombian striker Néiser Villarreal, for a bargain price.

The 19-year-old forward ended the U-20 Championship as the top-scorer with 8 goals and 4 assists. However, his relationship with his current club, Millonarios, is not too good, and he has already refused to renew his contract, which ends in December. In fact, he has not even shown up for his club team since the end of the Championship.

This situation has raised the interest of several European clubs, including Porto, Newcastle United, and Warford. The player’s insistence on playing in Europe is clear from the fact that Millonarios had already closed a transfer for him for €4 million with Vasco da Gama, but Villarreal’s agents refused to even negotiate with the Brazilian club as they wanted only a move to Europe.

Colombian gem Néiser Villarreal.

Thus, Barcelona remain highly attentive to his situation, and an intermediary has already offered the player to the Blaugranes. The Sporting Department, headed by Deco, is currently analysing the situation and assessing the scenarios open for them.

The Catalans can ensure his signing and block increasing competition for him without exceeding a total investment of €3 million at this point in time. However, the forward’s agents are looking to bide their time and undertake a move only once the player is free in December.

Even if they decide to sign him, Barcelona will not bring Villarreal to be a first-team player. Instead, he will first have to play with Barcelona Atletic, and in case of their relegation, he will be sent on loan to continue his growth.