Barça to track young Ecuador star Johan Mina at U17 World Cup
The teenage midfielder is drawing attention from a number of Europe's biggest clubs
Johan Mina, 17, was the stand out player at the South American U17 Championships. The Ecuador midfielder played a key role for his country, scoring six goals and setting up two more, en route to a fourth placed finish in Peru.
The player, who belongs to Emelec, scored a hat-trick against Chile in the group stages and a double against Argentine to book Ecuardo's place at the U17 World Cup, which kicks off this Saturday in Brazil.
He actually started the South American Championships on the bench, but he quickly made himself vital to his side thanks to his ability to run with the ball and his efficiency in the final third.
Barcelona will have Pep Boada and Ramon Planes watching him at the U17 World Cup. The Catalan club have been following various young Ecuador players but it's Mina who has really caught their attention.
Due to FIFA rule, he can't yet sign for another club due to his age. He will turn 18 in February, though, and will then be able to negotiate a move to Europe.
Emelec are trying to renew his contract but talks have not advanced. For that reason, he's not played for his club for almost a year and since October has not even been training with the team.
Other European clubs are also following him. His agent, Klinton Tenorio, has confirmed that Premier League side Chelsea are also interested.
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