Arsenal, Manchester United, and Barcelona are keen on signing 17-year-old Brazilian prodigy Rafael Belinho from NK Kustosija.
According to a report by the Daily Mirror, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Barcelona are interested in Rafael Belinho. Other high-profile European clubs are also keen on signing the NK Kustosija wonderkid, with the Brazilian prodigy’s representatives recently travelling to Germany “for face-to-face discussions” with Borussia Dortmund over a possible move.
Who is Rafael Belinho?
Rafael Belinho is the latest promising wonderkid from his homeland to rise in prominence. Born in Rio de Janeiro, the South American attacking midfielder began his youth career in Brazil but has been in Europe since September 2022, having risen through the ranks at Dinamo Zagreb.
However, Belinho’s spell with Dinamo Zagreb has ended, and he has joined NK Kustosija. The 17-year-old Brazilian prodigy’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs. Arsenal, Manchester United, and Barcelona are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.
High in demand
Arsenal’s interest in the NK Kustosija wonderkid is understandable. The Gunners have recently been scouring the market for bright young prospects, even though their primary concern has been to sign players at or around their peak. Nevertheless, Belinho can be a long-term competitor for Martin Odegaard’s spot in the first-team squad.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s interest in Rafael Belinho makes sense. The Red Devils are in a spot of bother over Bruno Fernandes’s long-term future, as recent reports have claimed that the Portuguese international may leave the Premier League clubs this year. So, signing a long-term successor to the Manchester United captain will be a step in the right direction.
As for Barcelona, the Catalan giants have a working relationship with NK Kustosija, having signed Mika Faye and Lovro Chelfi from the Croatian club in recent years. The reigning La Liga champions never squander an opportunity to sign a promising prodigy. So, Belinho has emerged as a viable target for Barcelona.
Apart from Arsenal, Manchester United, and Barcelona, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund are also keen on signing the 17-year-old Brazilian wonderkid. Belinho’s representatives have recently travelled to Germany “for face-to-face discussions” with the Bundesliga club over a possible move. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the youngster.
