The latest goalscorer of the South American U-20: the next star signing for Barça?

The Colombian forward Neiser Villarreal is the latest 'gem' from South America on the radar of FC Barcelona ahead of the upcoming summer transfer market. Recent reports indicate the interest of the Catalans in the 19-year-old player, who, after scoring 8 goals and providing 4 assists with his national team in the last South American U-20 held in Venezuela, aims to make the leap to Europe at a very affordable price.

Neiser from Tumaco has already decided to leave his club, Millonarios, as soon as possible, with which he has a contract until the end of the year. Neiser spent two weeks without training with the club after finishing the South American tournament and only this weekend did he enter the call-up of coach David González to face Junior de Barranquilla.

The forward usually plays as a right winger, although he can also perform well as a '9' or second striker. His physical power and aerial game are his main strengths, as well as his powerful right-footed shot. This allows him to perform well on the opposite side, being a forward with great mobility inside and outside the area. In 2024, he played 11 matches with the first team of the blues, adding one assist.

Barça could take advantage of Neiser Villarreal's contractual situation

For now, the relationship between Villarreal and the Millonarios board remains tense, due to the player's refusal to renew or accept one of the offers that have reached the club's offices in Bogotá. Vasco da Gama wanted to sign him for 4 million dollars, but the player's representatives refused to accept the offer. Now, the blue team fears a lower offer due to the imminent end of the goalscorer's contract.

For Neiser, the priority is to make the leap to Europe next summer, so he understands that the best thing is to keep his contract with 'Millos' intact, facilitating negotiations with any team from the old continent. Porto and Newcastle were the first to show interest in the Colombian after his remarkable performance in the tournament held in Venezuela.

Barça, for its part, is considering joining the bidding, as long as the operation is profitable. The Catalans bet on the figure of the last South American U-20, Vitor Roque, who ended up signing for the Catalans for 30 million euros net. Fortunately for the Catalans, the return of 'Tigrinho' to Brazil with Palmeiras allowed him to recover his initial investment.