Barcelona have completed a deadline day double signing of two interesting young players, with a third set to be announced imminently. First, they have signed 18-year-old French defender Jean-Clair Todibo, then also signed another young Brazilian, Emerson, from Athletico Mineiro. for €12 million. They are also set to announce an 18-month loan deal with an option to buy for Brazilian forward Gabriel Novaes. The three signings complete an extremely busy month for the Catalans.
Barcelona Complete Deadline Day Triple Swoop
Let’s start with 19-year-old Brazilian forward Gabriel Novaes. The Brazilian youth international has been scoring goals in bunches for Sao Paolo’s youth team. He was the top scorer in the most recent Sao Paolo youth cup, really impressing in that tournament. Sevilla was considered favourites for his signature but the allure of Barcelona must have gotten to him.
At Barcelona, Novaes will join up with the B team currently playing in the Segunda B, the third tier of Spanish football. He is expected to be given a run with that team before having the opportunity to compete for a first-team place over the summer. Whether that works out or not, Barca have done a shrewd bit of low-risk, high-reward business.
The Permanent Deals
The first of two permanent signings they made today was another youngster, Jean-Clair Todibo. Todibo can play in defence or as a defensive midfielder and has been dubbed the next Raphael Varane for his strong combination of size and speed. Todibo played quite well for Toulouse towards start this season, but he has recently been amongst the substitutes.
After Todibo signed a pre-contract agreement with Barcelona, Toulouse forced him to the bench. Toulouse thought Barcelona had ‘stolen’ their player and therefore did not want to negotiate with the Catalans. They eventually caved after Barcelona agreed to pay €3 million for Todibo to join them now.
The other permanent signing made was Brazilian youngster Emerson. The 20-year-old right-back from Athletico Mineiro is another attacking full-back that Barcelona hope to develop. However, this time, instead of keeping him at Camp Nou they have sent him out on loan to Real Betis for the rest of the season.
Of the three signings, this is by far the most expensive. Barcelona are paying Athletico Mineiro €12 million to bring in the young full-back. The fee will be paid in July but it is unclear whether Emerson will join in July. There is speculation that Barcelona will keep him at Betis for another season before bringing him to the Nou Camp.
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