Juni Calafat is reportedly pushing Real Madrid to sign Rafael Venancio, a target for Chelsea and Manchester United.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Rafael Venancio is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. Juni Calafat is driving the potential move for the 17-year-old Corinthians defender. The highly-rated centre-back is also a target for Premier League heavyweights Chelsea and Manchester United.
Who is Rafael Venancio?
Rafael Venancio is the latest Brazilian prodigy to emerge on the radar of European bigwigs. A highly-rated central defender, the teenage sensation has taken age-group football by storm in his homeland. He is renowned for his adept reading of the game and no-nonsense tackling.
The 17-year-old currently turns out for Corinthians’ under-20 team, playing well above his age group. So, it is hardly surprising that Venancio has captured the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. The report mentions Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Manchester United as his prospective suitors.
High in Demand
Juni Calafat has driven Real Madrid’s numerous forays into the Brazilian market. Those incursions have paid off, with players like Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo becoming pivotal figures for Los Blancos. In addition, Endrick will arrive in the summer transfer window when he turns 18. So, it is hardly surprising that Rafael Venancio has emerged as a target for Real Madrid amid concerns over pursuing Leny Yoro.
Interestingly, Yoro is also a target for Chelsea and Manchester United, who recently sent scouts to watch the young Frenchman in action for LOSC Lille. But the two Premier League heavyweights are also interested in Rafael Venancio, with their scouting departments identifying him as a viable target.
But the 17-year-old is a left-footed centre-back and might clash with incumbents in the Chelsea and Manchester United squads. Instead, he can become the long-term central defensive partner of compatriot Eder Militao at Real Madrid, with the Brazilian international being a right-footed defender.
Nevertheless, Chelsea and Manchester United will likely compete with Real Madrid for Rafael Venancio’s signature. But a bid might be on the cards, with Juni Calafat pushing Florentino Perez to sign the Brazilian defensive sensation. He can move clubs in the summer transfer window as he will turn 18 next month. So, it will be interesting to see if he arrives in Europe this summer.
