Barcelona and Chelsea locked in fight for rising Brazilian star dubbed the ‘new Marcelo’ | OneFootball

Barcelona and Chelsea are battling it out to sign 18-year-old Brazilian sensation Joao Victor de Souza, who has already made a significant mark in Brazil’s football scene, reports AS.

Known for his impressive performances, Souza, often referred to as the ‘new Marcelo’, has gained recognition as a rising star. Playing for Santos in Brazil’s Silver Division, he has quickly earned a spot in the first team, showcasing his talent on the field.

Souza’s rise has not gone unnoticed by European clubs, with Barcelona and Chelsea both exploring the possibility of bringing him to their squads.

Significant interest and Chelsea’s plan

Chelsea, in particular, is said to be considering a loan deal that would see Souza move to Strasbourg for a season before potentially joining the Premier League club.

However, this may not be the only option for the young talent, as there is also reported interest from Saudi Arabian clubs.

Though it is early days, the possibility of a move to Saudi Arabia has raised questions, and Santos, his current club, is already in talks to extend Souza’s contract, which is set to expire in May 2025.

Who is Joao Victor de Souza?

Born in 2006, Souza is part of the same generation of young Brazilian talents as Endrick, who currently plays for Real Madrid. He joined Santos’ youth system when he was just nine years old and quickly impressed with his skills.

In his early years at the club, he played as a winger and occasionally as a midfielder. However, it was in the full-back position that he truly began to shine.

Souza’s statistics further highlight his potential. In his eight appearances for Santos, he has stood out for his defensive capabilities, particularly his ball recovery rate and his effectiveness in one-on-one defensive duels, where he boasts an 80% success rate.

These impressive figures place him among the top full-backs in his age group, making him a highly sought-after prospect for European clubs.