The 10 young stars Barcelona are monitoring in Europe
FC Barcelona pay an added cost when it comes to strengthening their squad via the transfer market. The Catalan club have become the team to beat over the last decade, which has led other big clubs to try and block them signing their players.
For that reason, the club's recruitment department, led by sporting director Robert Fernandez, are looking for Europe's best young players, those who have not yet burst onto the scene and who don't yet have an exorbitant price.
Here are 10 young players who are on Barça's agenda and who Robert has watched in recent months.
1. PAULO DYBALA
Date of birth: 15/11/1993 Laguna Larga (22)
Nationality: Argentine
Position: Forward
Club: Juventus
Contract: 30.06.2020
Now on the path to being a superstar, Barça have been following him since before he signed for Juventus. He is one of the players most well-liked by the club's international sporting director, Ariedo Braida. This season he has scored 20 goals and created eight more, with Juve closing the door on any potential exit.
2. OUSMANE DEMBELÉ
Date of birth: 15/05/1997 (18)
Nationality: French (left)
Position: Forward
Club: Rennes
Contract: 30.06.2018
One of FC Barcelona's priorities. Robert Fernandez and Urbano Ortega have both watched him more than once in recent months. In fact, the club have been following him for two years. Talks with Rennes are advanced. In recent weeks there has been speculation that his contract has a five million euro escape clause in the case that Barça wanted to sign him.
3. JORGE MERÉ
Date of birth: 17/04/1997 (19)
Nationality: Spanish
Position: Centre-back
Club: Sporting
Contract: 30.06.2019
From Oviedo, he caught Barcelona's attention a while ago. He has been able to cope with the pressure of playing in the Primera Division this season, facing up to situations with experience which belies his years on the pitch.
4. CAMERON BRANNAGAN
Date of birth: 09/05/1996 (19)
Nationality: English
Position: Attacking midfielder
Club: Liverpool U21
Contract: 30.06.2018
Made his debut for Liverpool in September in the Europa League against Bordeaux, but plays for their U21 side currently. Plays in an advanced midfield role and is an U20 international with England.
5. RIECHDLY BAZOER
Date of birth: 12/10/1996 (19)
Nationality: Dutch
Position: Central midfield
Club: Ajax
Contract: 30.06.2020
One of the young stars of Dutch football. The players himself confirmed Barça's interest a few months ago and said he would love to play for the Catalan club. Barcelona believe Bazoer could be a player to lead a generation in the future, but he still needs the necessary time to mature.
6. SAMUEL UMTITI
Date of birth: 14/11/1993 (22)
Nationality: French
Position: Centre-back
Club: Olympique de Lyon
Contract: 30.06.2019
A left-footed defender who can also play at left-back. He stands out for his pace and pysical ability in one-on-one situations. His price would be around 15 million euros. Robert and Urbano watched him play against Nice just over a week ago.
7. WENDELL
Date of birth: 20/07/1993 (22)
Nationality: Brazilian
Position: Left-back
Club: Bayer Leverkusen
Contract: 30.06.2019
The Brazilian full-back has caught the attention of many of Europe's top clubs due to his defensive qualities and his ability to attack - which is a necessity for a left-back at Barcelona. The problem is that Leverkusen want 35 million euros for him.
8. ADRIÁN MARÍN
Date of birth: 09/01/1997 (19)
Nationality: Spanish
Position: Left-back
Club: Villarreal B
Contract: 30.06.2017
Another full-back coming through in Spanish football. He is a 19-year-old left-back who, despite starting the season with Villarreal B, is earning more and more minutes under Marcelino.
9. JAIRO RIEDEWALD
Date of birth: 09/09/1996 (19)
Nationality: Dutch
Position: Centre-back
Club: Ajax
Contract: 30.06.2020
Came through Ajax's academy before making his first team debut in the 2014-15 season. It's been the current season, though, when he's become a regular. Robert has wathced him before, including in last October's game between the Netherlands and the Czech Republic.
10. ANWAR EL-GHAZI
Date of birth: 03/05/1995 (20)
Nationality: Dutch
Position: Right wing
Club: Ajax
Contract: 30.06.2019
Barça's sporting director also watched this Ajax player this season. The winger has caught so much attention that the Dutch club's sporting director, former Barcelona player Marc Overmars, has had to come out and say he is not for sale.
