Barcelona keeping tabs on 16-year-old attacking gem from River Plate – report

Recent reports from SPORT highlight that Barcelona are keeping a close eye on 16-year-old Felipe Esquivel, an exciting talent from River Plate in Argentina. 

Known for his exceptional dribbling skills, Esquivel, who has the ability to create advantageous situations in one-on-one scenarios, both inside and outside the box, comes from a famed River Plate youth academy that has produced several stars. 

Although he has been utilized primarily on the right flank during the South American U-15 Championship, the 16-year-old is equally adept at playing on either side of the pitch.

What are Esquivel’s traits?

Standing at just 1.63 meters, Esquivel is agile and versatile, capable of functioning as both a creative playmaker and a winger hugging the touchline. His speed and ability to navigate through defenders make him a standout player in his age group. 

Given his impressive performances, it is no wonder that Barcelona’s scouting department has taken note of him. They have been closely monitoring the recent developments in the continental tournament, where Paraguay emerged victorious.

Meanwhile, as Barcelona continue their journey of financial recovery, they remain optimistic about Esquivel’s potential. With two years remaining until he reaches adulthood, this timeline aligns well with the club’s interests. 

Barcelona are hopeful

He is not expected to make the move to Europe until the summer of 2026, when he will be eligible to sign a professional contract. 

Furthermore, River Plate have already extended his contract until 2026 and have set a release clause of €30 million, a figure that serves as a starting point for any negotiations.

Within Barcelona and throughout Europe, there will be ongoing assessments of Esquivel’s growth and performance. The recent U-15 Championship has shown that he possesses significant talent and the potential for a bright future in football.