Barcelona and Real Madrid are reportedly among the clubs keen on signing 17-year-old Brazilian striker Kaua Elias from Fluminense.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Kaua Elias is a popular figure in the market. Barcelona and Real Madrid are interested in signing the 17-year-old highly-rated striker from Fluminense in the summer transfer window.
Who is Kaua Elias?
Kaua Elias is the latest Brazilian prospect to rise in prominence among European clubs. The Brazilian teenage sensation has spent his formative years in his homeland, although he initially plied his trade in futsal. The opportunity to join the Fluminense youth division came in 2016, and he has been with the club since 2017.
The 17-year-old has risen through the ranks at Fluminense, representing the club’s several youth sides. He has also broken into the first-team squad at Fluminense, making his senior bow in a Copa Libertadores clash last year. But regular first-team minutes will unlikely come Elias’s way anytime soon.
However, Kaua Elias has captured the attention of several high-profile clubs in Europe with his exploits in age-group football in Brazil. The youngster first emerged on Barcelona’s radar last year. The reigning La Liga champions remain interested in the teenage sensation, with Real Madrid joining the race to sign him.
La Liga Calling?
Barcelona’s interest in Kaua Elias is hardly surprising, considering Robert Lewandowski’s advancing years. The veteran Polish striker has shown signs that age is catching up to him, with his performance levels deteriorating. While Vitor Roque has arrived from Brazil this year, he needs time to become Barcelona’s first-choice striker. So, Elias is a viable option to share game time with his compatriot.
As for Real Madrid, Los Blancos did not sign a long-term replacement for Karim Benzema in the summer transfer window. While they will likely sign Kylian Mbappe if things go their way, the Merengues need more options, with Joselu on the wrong side of 30. The Fluminense wonderkid is thus a viable target for Real Madrid.
Barcelona and Real Madrid have previously locked horns for many Brazilian prospects, including Vitor Roque and Endrick. Meanwhile, Kaua Elias can move to a European club in the summer transfer window as he will turn 18 in March. It will be interesting to see what the future has in store for him.
