FC Barcelona’s sporting management has intensified its international search for emerging football stars, identifying six young prospects across Europe and the Americas as part of a targeted scouting initiative. Developed by sporting director Deco and head of scouting Joao Amaral, the strategy focuses on discovering talented players before they reach the European elite, allowing the Catalan club to secure early signings and avoid inflated market valuations later in their careers, as noted by Barca Universal.
The club has previously utilized this approach with the signings of Hamza Abdelkarim and Jesse Bisiwu. The current radar encompasses prospects ranging from teenage league record-breakers to established youth internationals, though competition from rival European clubs and financial complexities present ongoing challenges.
The European Prospect Radar: Manchester United and Norway
At the center of significant European interest is 16-year-old JJ Gabriel. Having declined to sign his first professional contract with Manchester United, the young forward has attracted attention from Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain. While Gabriel’s representatives reportedly favor a move to Spain, financial demands involving wages, commissions, and compensation could push the overall transaction cost to at least €10 million.
In Norway, 15-year-old forward Gabriel Rajkovic has drawn the attention of Barca Universal after club scouts watched him in person against Bodo/Glimt. Rajkovic set a historical milestone by becoming the youngest goalscorer in Norway’s top flight at 15 years, five months, and 15 days old. Major Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester United, are also tracking his development.
Meanwhile, 19-year-old Josh King has established himself as a regular starter for Fulham under Alvaro Arbeloa. Recording two goals in his first five appearances and exceeding 400 minutes of playing time, King is under contract with the London club until 2029, drawing interest from Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund, and Atletico Madrid alongside Barcelona.
South American Reinforcements and MLS Standouts
Defensive and attacking targets in the Americas also feature prominently in the club’s scouting logs. Arthur Dias, a 19-year-old left-footed defender, captained Brazil to victory at the 2025 South American Under-20 Championship and earned a senior team call-up under Carlo Ancelotti. Joao Amaral recently confirmed the club’s admiration for his technical and physical profile.
Palmeiras attacker Eduardo Conceicao, 16, also drew Deco’s attention due to his versatility across the frontline and midfield. Although Barcelona held preliminary discussions with his representatives, competition from English clubs and substantial financial hurdles led the Catalan club to withdraw temporarily from the active bidding while maintaining observation of his progress.
In Major League Soccer, 17-year-old Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan has broken records as the youngest goalscorer in USMNT history, alongside registering seven goals and 12 assists this season. However, any pursuit by Barcelona faces a major procedural hurdle, given that Manchester City reached an agreement with Philadelphia Union in 2024 to sign Sullivan when he turns 18 on September 28, 2027.