€35m deal for Santos winger Angelo represents good business for Barça

It was at the start of the summer when Barcelona's director of football Mateu Alemany asked former sporting director Ramon Planes if there was anyone at Santos capable of playing for the Catalan club. As the Brazilian club were unable to pay their debt to Barca, they were exploring other options. And there were players.

Planes had no doubts. Without even revising his reports he highlighted a winger called Angelo Gabriel, 17, who was already playing in Santos' first team. Curiously, Barça already had in-depth analysis of him because of his potential. He still wasn't consolidated in the elite, but his future looked bright. The name of defender Kaiky also came up, a player many clubs in Europe want. Barça agreed a preferential option on both players with Santos in place of the debt, with the price set at €35m for each player. It's a lot of money, but Angelo is going to be worth much more soon.

In Angelo's case, Barça even spoke with his camp. Everything is in hand. The idea is that he renews with Santos, consolidates himself in the first team and, when he turns 18, a decision will be made, but it seems likely Barça will sign him.

In recent weeks, coinciding with improved performances, interest from the Premier League has led to big offers. But the player is tied down by Barça. The Catalan club have two options: either they sign him and bring him to Barcelona to loan him out or they sign him and re-sell him to make money. The final decision will be made by the current sporting directorate in collaboration with coach Xavi. Every scout that has been to Brazil to watch him so far has been impressed.

Keep an eye on the situation when he turns 18, but Barça lead the other European clubs in what will be good business whatever happens.