Barcelona sent scouts to Nyon, Switzerland, to watch Palmeiras forward Eduardo Conceicao during a UEFA-organized youth tournament, according to Sport.
The 16-year-old is regarded as one of Palmeiras’ most promising players and has attracted interest from a number of leading European clubs. Barcelona’s sporting department has recognised his potential, but the club has not made a significant move to sign him and is choosing to wait until he turns 18.
The tournament in Nyon is the main focus of Barcelona’s scouting activity during the international break. Although it includes matches involving Under-18 sides, Brazil’s Under-17 team is also taking part, giving the club the opportunity to assess Conceicao in an international setting.
Youth competitions have been held across Spain during the break, with teams from Brazil, Italy, France and England among those involved. Several major European clubs have sent scouts to follow emerging players, but Barcelona’s particular interest is in Conceicao.
Brazil opened the tournament with a 6-0 victory over Canada, with Conceicao among the scorers. Their results have since been less consistent, however, as they were beaten 3-1 by Spain before recovering to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1.
Brazil will next face Colombia for a place in the consolation final.
The results have also provided Barcelona’s scouts with a broader view of Conceicao’s current level. Some sources believe the teenager’s progress has slowed slightly in recent months, and the club is using the matches against highly rated youth national teams to assess how he is developing.
Palmeiras have already moved to secure the player’s future by giving him his first professional contract. That agreement contains a release clause worth up to 100 million euros, creating a substantial financial hurdle for any European club that eventually attempts to sign him.
Barcelona’s decision to continue monitoring Conceicao rather than make an immediate offer reflects its intention to assess his development further before considering any formal approach.