Barcelona keen to sign 16-year-old wonderkid touted as ‘Ecuadorian Haaland’: Reports
Barcelona have set their sights on Ecuadorian wonderkid Juan Riquelme Angulo, according to SPORT. The 16-year-old striker has caught the eye with the Independiente del Valle's Under20 squad.
The Catalans have been keeping a close eye on emerging talents in the South American market of late. While they have recently burnt their hands with Vitor Roque, the LaLiga giants remain determined to unearth the next big talent in the land.
Barcelona have now discovered a jewel in Angulo, who is being dubbed as the 'Ecuadorian Haaland' due to his playing style. The teenager has already scored four goals in six games so far and has turned heads in Europe.
The 1.93m tall striker has a commanding presence in the box and combines agility and a poacher's instinct to find the back of the net. Angulo is already training with Ecuador's U17 national team, and there's word that he could soon be promoted to the U20 national team.
The Catalans are monitoring the player's progress with optimism. While Angulo may not be able to carry the goalscoring burden at Camp Nou just yet, he could eventually be molded into the role.
How many goals have Barcelona scored this season?
Barcelona have been in sizzling form this season under Hansi Flick, winning nine of their 11 games across competitions. The German manager took charge of the Catalans this summer and already has the team purring to his tactics.
The Catalans have scored 28 goals in nine games in the league, conceding just nine. Flick has rejuvenated Raphinha, who has six goals and as many assists from 11 games across competitions.
Lamine Yamal has also continued his outstanding form with the LaLiga giants this season, scoring five goals and setting up five more from 11 games. However, Barcelona's crown jewel has been Robert Lewandowski.
The Polish striker has rolled back the years under Flick and has powered the Catalans to the top of the league table. The Polish striker has plundered in 12 goals from 11 appearances this season for the LaLiga giants.
The player will turn 37 next year and his contract expires at the end of this season. Lewandowski's deal will automatically be renewed if he registers a preset number of appearances this campaign.
However, Barcelona remain keen to lay down succession plans for the veteran striker. They are already eyeing multiple candidates for the job, including Lille striker Jonathan David, whose contract expires next summer.