Barcelona scouting multiple South American talents including Messinho at Copinha, Olympic qualifiers

Estevao Willian, a.k.a. Messinho, is a name that features on the transfer wishlist of several top clubs across Europe, including FC Barcelona.

The 16-year-old Palmeiras wonderkid has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in Brazil and has already made his first-team debut for the club.

Currently, though, Messinho is involved in the Copinha Tournament in Brazil with Palmeiras’ Under-20 outfit, where he is making a big impression.

Barcelona scouted Messinho in Copinha tournament

And as per Gabriel Sans of Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona had two technicians watching Estevao closely at the Copinha tournament.

The 16-year-old wonderkid played five games so far, chipping in with four goals and two assists, catching the eyes of the scouts watching. A defeat to Star Ita U20 led to Palmeiras’ elimination, however.

Barcelona, for their part, are determined to sign Messinho, with the club management already giving the green light for the operation.

However, the fact that he is protected by a €60 million release clause, coupled with the interest of other top clubs like Chelsea, PSG, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Manchester United complicates matters for Barcelona.

Barcelona scouts to travel to the Pre-Olympics tournament as well

The report from Gabriel Sans further adds that one or two Barcelona technicians will now be travelling to Venezuela for the Olympic qualifiers, where Under-23 national teams from South America will fight it out for a spot in the Paris Olympic Games later this year.

Players like Andrey Santos (19, Chelsea),  Óscar Cortés (20, Lens), Valentín Barco (20, Boca Juniors), Thiago Almada (22, Atlanta United), and Claudio Echeverri (18, River Plate), will be in action at the tournament.