Real Madrid are reportedly tracking the progress of 17-year-old Brazilian prodigy Matheus Nascimento, termed ‘Little Cavani’.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Matheus Nascimento is the subject of interest from Real Madrid over a possible move in a future transfer window. The Spanish giants will close monitor the 17-year-old Botafogo prodigy, termed ‘Little Cavani’.
Matheus Nascimento has been with Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas since he was an 11-year-old back in 2015. In the subsequent years, the teenage prodigy made significant progress in the youth setup at the Brazilian club before graduating to the first-team squad in September 2020, aged just 16.
In the last 15 months, the 17-year-old has made gradual progress, amassing 19 appearances while chipping in with one goal and one assist in the process. In Nascimento’s short but budding career, he has already drawn comparisons with Edinson Cavani due to his appearance and style of play. Suffice to say, the youngster’s talent has been noticed by some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants are renowned for being constantly on the lookout for the brightest young talents across the world. Forays into South America have been commonplace for Real Madrid over the years, with such an outlook fetching them current first-team regulars like Vinicius Junior, Federico Valverde and Rodrygo Goes.
Recent reports have claimed that the Merengues are once again active in the Brazilian market. To that end, Cruzeiro prodigy Weverton is the latest to emerge on their radar. And Nascimento is also a viable target for Real Madrid, considering Mariano Diaz and Luka Jovic face uncertain futures at the Santiago Bernabeu.
With the 17-year-old’s contract with Botafogo running until June 30, 2023, Real Madrid could seek to sign him in a cut-price deal next summer. However, for now, Real Madrid will be closely monitoring his progress following the turn of the year, and it will be interesting to see if he becomes a key target.
In addition to Real Madrid, Nascimento is also a target for Shakhtar Donetsk, who are known to be active in the Brazilian market. If a move for ‘Little Cavani’ does not see the light of the day, Real Madrid will not have any shortage of options, with Agustin Alvarez and Matias Arezo also on their radar.
