Barcelona and Real Madrid are reportedly set to battle each other in pursuit of Brazilian prodigy Lincoln, who currently plays for Flamengo.
Spanish publication MARCA have reported that Barcelona and Real Madrid are set to wage battle for yet another Brazilian wonderkid. Lincoln is the subject of interest from the Royal Two of Spanish football, with Flamengo set to demand at least €30 million for the teenager.
Lincoln is the latest wonderkid to emerge from the much talked about Brazil’s Gerecao 2000, who are rated among the most promising young players in the world currently. In fact, alongside Vinicius Junior, the 16-year-old is regarded as the brightest prospect in Brazil, with the duo making waves for Flamengo as well as Brazil at various youth levels.
Lincoln, in particular, is revered for his powerful style of play, which has drawn comparisons with Adriano, who came through the ranks at Flamengo as well. Like the former Brazilian superstar, the teenager is also known for his finishing as well as strength and pace.
Flamengo have told Barcelona and Real Madrid that upcoming star Lincoln will cost them €30million (Marca) pic.twitter.com/c7WAyCAIZB
— RumorsTransfers 24/7 (@rumorstransfers) November 8, 2017
After impressing in various continental and national youth level competitions, Lincoln managed to catch the eye at the recently concluded FIFA Under-17 World Cup in India, where he led the line for his country and scored three goals.
In fact, he has made such a remarkable impression on scouts present at the tournament that some of the biggest clubs in the world are now vying for his signature. In particular, Lincoln has sparked a transfer battle in Spain, with Barcelona and Real Madrid are battling each other to secure his services.
The two Spanish powerhouses have heavily invested in player’s from South America in recent times, with Brazilian prodigies in particular attracting a lot of interest from them. The clubs have monitored Lincoln’s progress for a long time while also being in contact with his representatives over a possible switch to La Liga.
If signed, Lincoln is likely to represent the reserve side to begin with, considering he has only recently broken into the first-team setup at Flamengo.
But, the player might even have a chance to break into the first-team setup at either club, if only in a minor role, considering the struggles of their strikers – Luis Suarez and Karim Benzema – in front of goal so far this season.
However, the two clubs will have to shell out €30 million to secure his services, an amount that may seem a little steep considering he is yet to make his senior debut either at the club or international level.
Real Madrid, though, might have a distinct advantage in pursuit of the 16-year-old prodigy, having emerged victorious when the two famously battled each other in pursuit of the aforementioned Vinicius Junior as well.
Los Blancos are now known to enjoy a fantastic professional relationship with Flamengo, which is likely to give them an advantage. It now remains to be seen if Lincoln decides to stay at Flamengo or move to Europe so early into his career.
