RIO DE JANEIRO – Europe’s soccer teams that want to make deals in January will find future stars among the newest soccer players in Brazil.
Two of them, Endrick, a young striker for Real Madrid who hasn’t left Brazil yet, and Vitor Roque, a target man for Barcelona, could soon be among the best players in Europe. In Brazil, there are more players to choose from.
Two of them have already been signed by Paris Saint-Germain: Lucas Beraldo, a defender for Sao Paulo, and Gabriel Moscardo, a playmaker for Corinthians.
Here are some more of the best young players in the Brazilian league:
JOHN KENNEDY
The 21-year-old Fluminense striker scored the game-winning goal that won the team its first Copa Libertadores title in November. Fans compare him to a younger Diego Costa because he has a strong core, powerful shots, and an explosive anger. Lyon allegedly made an offer of 10 million euros ($11 million) to buy him from Fluminense in Rio de Janeiro, but the club turned them down. Kennedy sits on the bench for most games because Germán Cano, who normally plays first base, was recently named the best player in the Americas.
RIKELME
Cuiaba’s left back, who is 20 years old, is quick, big, and can cross. He played most of the season as a starter. Rikelme, who is often compared to Renan Lodi, scored one goal and set up another in his most recent Brazilian league game. Stats don’t tell the whole story about the young football player, though, because he also sets up plays. Braga from Portugal is said to have made an offer, but it was turned down. Cuiaba says it needs at least 4 million euros to begin talks with him.
THIAGO BORBAS
He joined Red Bull Bragantino from River Plate in Uruguay for 4.8 million euros. He is 21 years old. Fans saw how hard it was for him in the first half of 2018. After that, he settled down and scored nine goals in 33 league games in Brazil. Darwin Núñez of Liverpool started most of the season, but Borbas started most of the season from the bench. Dutch team Feyenoord is said to be interested in the Uruguayan who lives in Brazil.
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WESLEY
Flamengo fans were finally hoping that they had found a replacement for Rafinha, who left the club in 2020, when the 20-year-old right back came on. Wesley played in 36 Brazilian league games and scored one goal and set up another. He is very sure of himself, quick, and marks hard, just like Cafu did when he was younger. Flamengo is said to want between 10 and 15 million euros for him by local media.
ESTÊVÃO
Fans of Palmeiras call the 16-year-old footballer “Little Messi” and think he will be one of Brazil’s best players in the coming years. He plays for the club’s under-17 team and wears the number 10. He can score goals or set them up just as easily. It is said that PSG and Barcelona are keeping an eye on him. He won’t be able to leave Brazil until April 2025, when he turns 18.
