Barcelona's connection to South America remains strong, and the club are looking to keep it open with a move for Palmeiras sensation Eduardo Conceicao.
The 16-year-old attacking midfielder has caught the eye with his displays for club and country, and is regarded as one of the finest prospects in Brazilian football, at present.
Internal reports have highlighted his 1v1 ability and technical flair as key ingredients of his game to Barcelona director Deco, leading to increased surveillance from the Spanish giants, as per Sport.
They are not prepared to move for the teenager, but are keeping close tabs on him ahead of a potential future approach.
Why Barcelona Are Monitoring Palmeiras Wonderkid Eduardo Conceicao
Palmeiras has developed into a talent factory for Europe's top sides, supplying youngsters to Europe after giving them an education in their academy system.
The likes of Endrick, Estevao, Allan, Vitor Reis, and several others have made the jump to Europe, but Eduardo Conceicao is seen as being on another level.
Brazil's U-17 team competed at the UEFA Friendship Cup in Switzerland during this international window.
The Catalan giants followed the tournament in Nyon keenly, using it as an opportunity to measure Conceicao's performance against top youngsters from around the world.
He was on target in their opening game, a 6-0 win over Canada, and featured in subsequent games against Spain and Ivory Coast.
In the third-place game against Colombia, he scored the opener after just three minutes.
For Palmeiras, he has greatly impressed at youth level, and was named in the senior matchday squad for a Brasileirao Serie A clash against Chapecoense earlier this year.
Known for his pace, dribbling, footwork, and intelligence, Conceicao is being monitored by the Spanish giants ahead of a possible move.
While representatives for the player have previously visited the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, Barca maintain that their interest remains strictly at the monitoring stage without formal club-to-club negotiations.
Why Barcelona Cannot Move for Eduardo Conceicao Yet
Palmeiras have protected their investment in Conceição by handing him a professional contract running until January 2029.
The Brazilian outfit have also included a €100 million release clause in the deal, ensuring that they retain the upper hand whenever a team tries to sign the sensation.
FIFA rules generally prohibit the international transfer of players under 18, subject to specific exceptions that do not appear to apply to a move from Brazil to Spain.
As a result of this regulatory timeframe, Barcelona can monitor his tactical and physical development against senior opposition in Brazil before committing financial resources toward bringing him to Spain.
They will be especially careful to avoid moving too early for Conceicao after their recent experience with striker Vitor Roque, who is now on the books of Palmeiras.
