Barcelona preparing formal bid worth €12-15m for 19-year-old Santos talent

Barcelona’s search for a long-term solution at left-back has taken another interesting turn, with fresh reports from Diario do Peixe, echoed by Mundo Deportivo, confirming that the Catalan giants have set their sights on one of Brazil’s most promising young defenders.

According to the latest information from Brazil, Barcelona are now actively exploring the signing of Joao Victor Souza, the 19-year-old left-back currently shining at Santos.

It is a known fact that the club’s intention to strengthen the left flank has been clear for months.

Alejandro Grimaldo, formerly of La Masia and one of Bayer Leverkusen’s standout performers last season, has been monitored as a potential option.

However, Barcelona appear determined to widen their possibilities, and Souza has quickly become a name of real interest inside the sporting department.

Barcelona are readying an offer

Sources in Brazil suggest that Barcelona are preparing a formal bid in the region of €12 to €15 million to secure the teenager’s services.

Barcelona are preparing an offer for Joao Victor Souza. (Photo by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images)

His profile has been appreciated by several clubs for some time, with teams from the Netherlands and other parts of Europe having already tried to land him last summer.

More recently, Bayern Munich have also entered the picture, signalling a potential bidding battle for one of Brazil’s most exciting young full-backs.

What makes the situation even more significant is the readiness of Santos to welcome a Barcelona representative in person to accelerate negotiations.

At the same time, Souza’s agent, Giuliano Bertolucci, is reportedly in Europe, waiting to move forward with discussions once the official offer arrives.

Despite being only 19, Joao Victor Souza has already established himself within Santos’ first team, with 26 senior appearances, one goal and two assists to his name.

His contract runs until the end of 2028, and his performances at the 2023 U-17 World Cup further reinforced his reputation as one of Brazil’s rising stars.