Barcelona are facing competition from Manchester United, Sporting CP, Benfica, and Porto for the signature of 18-year-old Ecuadorian forward Juan Riquelme Angulo, according to Diario AS. Angulo currently plays for Independiente del Valle, a club known for developing young talent in South America, and has recently earned a call-up to the senior Ecuadorian national team under manager Sebastian Beccacece.
Angulo has made 10 senior appearances for Independiente del Valle, scoring twice in 165 minutes of play. He also has six caps and one goal for Ecuador’s under-17 side. The interest from several European clubs highlights his potential as a rising star in South American football.
Barcelona have been actively scouting young players across Europe and South America, recently engaging in negotiations for Club Brugge winger Jesse Bisiwu, though a deal has yet to materialize. In January, the club added Patricio Pacifico, Juwensley Onstein, and Hamza Abdelkarim to their youth ranks, demonstrating a clear strategy of investing in future talent. Director of Football Deco appears to be prioritizing physically imposing players, evidenced by the recruitment of Abdelkarim from Egypt.
At 193cm (6 foot 3 inches), Angulo’s stature has drawn comparisons to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, but scouts also note his impressive technical ability and surprising pace for a player of his size. Barcelona’s interest suggests they see Angulo as a potential long-term addition to their attacking options, while Manchester United’s involvement indicates they are also seeking to bolster their forward line with promising young players. The competition for his signature is expected to intensify in the coming months, potentially driving up his transfer value.
Barcelona’s pursuit of young talent comes as they aim to rebuild their squad and compete at the highest level, while Manchester United are likely looking to identify future stars who can contribute to their long-term success. The emergence of Angulo represents an opportunity for both clubs to secure a potentially impactful player.
