Barcelona: Catalans to make £70m bid for the ‘next Neymar’

Barcelona have found the next exciting player to emerge from Brazil and are reportedly keen on bringing him to the Camp Nou.

When Neymar moved to Catalonia from Brazil in the summer of 2013 at just 21 years of age it proved to be a monumental moment for Barcelona. Neymar’s arrival heralded an unprecedented time of domination in world and European football by the Catalans.

The Brazilian having impressed in his birthplace at Santos with his lightning quick moves, lit up the Spanish first division and dazzled defenders. Neymar ultimately helped the Catalans to two league titles, a Champions League victory, a FIFA Club World Cup gold medal and three Copa Del Reys during his four-year spell at the club.

Yet in 2017 in a shock move Neymar departed the club to sign for moguls PSG in a sensational move and ever since Barcelona have never been able to find the same rhythm as before. Their impressive displays have dwindled and their success in Europe has been almost non-existent.

Now however perhaps a new exciting era could commence at the Nou Camp very shortly. With this new era, Barcelona look to follow the same recipe as before having identified a similar gem to Neymar in Brazil yet again.

That gem is the 17-year-old Flamengo wonderkid Reinier who has been likened to Neymar ever since his emergence as a regular member of Flamengo’s first team this season. Just like Neymar Reinier made his debut and scored in Brazil’s first division both at the mere age of 17. And similarly Reinier has also been a stalwart performer in  Brazil despite his tender years. Thus far the Brazilian has already made 12 appearances for Flamengo and netted 4 times from an attacking midfield role.

Flamengo valued Reinier as such a key member of their side they refused to let him go to the U17 World Cup which had just taken place on home soil and which despite Reinier’s absence the Brazilian’s won.

Now it seems, Reinier’s impressive performances have attracted interest from some of the top clubs around Europe. According to the Daily Express both Barcelona and Chelsea are interested in securing the 17 year old’s services and the Express reports that Flamengo are only willing to part with Reinier for no less than £70 million.

It would be a hefty fee to pay for the Catalans, but having made the same risk with Neymar, perhaps the identical formula could work wonders yet again.

What do you think could Reinier be the next Neymar at Barcelona?