FC Barcelona are no longer a club that has the ability to bid for the massive superstars of European football. Limited due to their financial restrictions, the Catalan club has had to look at other avenues to reinforce the team. However, the new management at Barcelona seems to have found their answer.
Beyond just the juggernauts of European football, Barcelona has decided to look towards the younglings. While it is true that La Masia remains as renowned as ever when it comes to producing elite talents, it is simultaneously also true that certain profiles can only be found elsewhere.
Consequently, as highlighted by SPORT, the new formula for Barcelona involves hunting for very specific kinds of youngsters. These particular starlets are identified as players with a great projection as well as proven ability, but who are yet to truly feature on the big stage or explode enough to gather the attention of other European giants.
This leaves behind players just on the verge of becoming global targets, but not being quite there just yet. These starlets, resultantly, have lower price tags than a player who would have massive attention on them. Three players in particular that have been approached by Barcelona embody this.
Vitor Roque is the undeniable first. Already a contracted player for FC Barcelona, the 18-year-old is expected to be available for action in January.
Currently with Athletico Paranaense in Brazil, the youngster is already a big name in the South American country. While his transfer fee was no small amount, it is still seen as a great investment for the future.
Another player that Barcelona are targeting on the same spectrum is Claudio Echeverri. The 17-year-old Argentinean attacking midfielder is a great target for La Blaugrana, and recent reports claim that the negotiations are advanced. For his name, one that was proven at the Under-17 World Cup, Barcelona are willing to pay upwards of €25 million.
Lastly, a new target for Barcelona hails from Sweden. Lucas Bergvall of Djurgarden is a 17-year-old midfield who is also on the agenda of La Blaugrana. With a market value of €5 million, he is another bright example of the philosophy that Barcelona are now following.
