La Liga champions Barcelona are reportedly interested in 19-year-old Portuguese sensation Jose Melro, who has drawn comparisons with Joao Felix.
According to a report by Spanish outlet MARCA, Jose Melro is the subject of interest from Barcelona. The 19-year-old attacking sensation has drawn comparisons with Joao Felix in his homeland. And the reigning La Liga champions want to take advantage of his contract situation to secure his services.
Who is Jose Melro?
Jose Melro has come leaps and bounds since joining Benfica from UD Santarem in July 2022. A native of Santarem, the Portuguese attacker rose through the ranks at his hometown club before breaking into the first team. But his potential earned him a move to a bigger club when Benfica came calling.
The 19-year-old has drawn comparisons with Joao Felix with his exploits in age-group football in his homeland. He is enjoying an excellent 2023/24 season thus far, amassing eight goals and one assist in 11 appearances in Liga Revelcao. Meanwhile, Melro’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Barcelona.
The Latest Addition to Barcelona’s Youth-Driven Project
Barcelona’s interest in Jose Melro is understandable, considering the club’s youth-centric outlook under the tutelage of Xavi Hernandez. While the Catalan giants have signed experienced players like Robert Lewandowski, Ilkay Gundogan, and Oriol Romeu in the last few transfer windows, their financial situation has forced their hand.
But Xavi believes in his youth project, with young prospects like Pedri, Gavi, Alejandro Balde, Lamine Yamal, and Fermin Lopez thriving under the Barcelona boss. The reigning La Liga champions are also constantly scouring the market for highly-rated prodigies, with Lucas Bergvall being their latest target.
Meanwhile, reinforcing the offensive unit is one of Barcelona’s objectives for the summer transfer window. Ferran Torres and Raphinha face an uncertain future at the club, compelling them to seek a replacement. Several young attackers, including Kaua Elias, have thus emerged on Barcelona’s radar, with Jose Melro emerging as a viable target.
The 19-year-old Portuguese sensation has entered the final 18 months of his contract with Benfica, thus alerting Barcelona. The Catalan giants want to put the Portuguese outfit on the ropes due to Melro’s contract situation. So, a cut-price summer move might be on the cards. And he might soon share a dressing room with Joao Felix, with Barcelona keen on completing a permanent transfer.
