Barcelona, Real Madrid could miss out on 14-year-old Brazilian pearl – report

Barcelona are expected to miss out on their pursuit of 14-year-old talented Brazilian midfielder Guilherme Ruck, better known as Gui Ruck, with a report from SPORT affirming that the young gun is closing in on a move to Flamengo next June.

According to the aforementioned source, discussions occurred between Flamengo and the representatives of the young Brazilian midfielder, widely regarded as Real Valladolid’s rising star. 

The negotiations appear to be on the verge of completion, indicating a potential agreement, as a result of which, Ruck has reportedly decided to make a return to his homeland Brazil, choosing to join Flamengo’s youth team.

For weeks, the name Gui Ruck has been consistently associated with the giants of Spanish football, Barcelona and Real Madrid, with the latter displaying more efforts to secure his signature.

Gui, originally from Brazil, embarked on his football journey in Portugal at the tender age of seven. Following stints with Vitoria de Guimaraes, SC Braga, and Porto, he moved to Real Valladolid at the beginning of 2021.

Barcelona have been trying their luck

Vitor Roque sent an autographed shirt to Gui Ruck. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

Barcelona haven’t done much business this month, but their only recruit, Vitor Roque, has already been asked to act as an ‘agent’ for the team.

As reported before, Roque, upon finalizing his transfer to the Catalan capital, forwarded his autographed Barcelona #19 jersey to Gui. 

This strategic move by the club was aimed at securing his commitment, especially at a time when Real Madrid appeared to be leading the race.

Following the blueprint that proved successful with Lamine Yamal, Barcelona intended to engage in a similar approach with Gui. 

The strategy involved incorporating him into their youth development system, affording him an early debut, and ultimately introducing him to the first-team fold once he reached the appropriate age.

As it turns out, though, their plans could now be set for failure as Flamengo appear close to signing him.