Deco tried to sign Brazil star Moscardo for Barça... but Chelsea emerged again

The signing of Vitor Roque was a declaration of intent and a statement from Barcelona. It showed that, with Deco, Barça were back in the fight for the best South American youngsters. 

One of the strengths of the new Barça sporting director is his profound knowledge of the Brazilian market and proof of this are the moves he has made to acquire Gabriel Moscardo, a 17-year-old midfielder who has emerged like a meteor at Corinthians and who is one of the great sensations in Brazil.

Very discreetly, between May and June, Deco tried to tie down for 2024 this midfielder who will come of age on Sept. 28 and who looks set to become a star. At the time, the player, unknown to the general public, was with Timao's U-20 team and had yet to make his debut for the team coached by Vanderlei Luxemburgo.

He made his debut on June 28 against Liverpool of Montevideo in an inconsequential match for the Paulistas, who, already eliminated, were closing the group stage of the Copa Libertadores. Since then, he has earned his place in the starting line-up and has already made 11 appearances. The 'Fiel', the fanatical and demanding Corinthians fans, are amazed by him. He plays without feeling the pressure.

His emergence has definitely taken him away from Barça, immobilised because of Fair Play Financial issues. From being a 'cover boy', he has gone on to be considered one of the great promises of Brazilian football. And, of course, his market value has multiplied by more than 600% in a matter of months.

Chelsea, with a voracity never seen before in Brazil (and, apparently, without Fair Play Financial limitations), went ahead and are one step away from closing the deal. They have already submitted two offers to Corinthians, who have priced their revelation at 30 million euros. It is a matter of hours or days before an agreement is reached. 

The plan is that Moscardo, who has just been called up for two friendlies of the Olympic Seleçao side where he will coincide with Vitor Roque, will remain in his 'Timao' until June 2024 when he will make the leap to Europe. A change of script is unfeasible. Deco has been left without a pivot of unquestionable technical and tactical qualities. His profile is, on paper, much more suited to Barça's style than what can be found in the Premier League under Pochettino.

And Chelsea are on their way to spend 80 million euros on a 'poker' of 'jewels' that Barça had targeted: the pivot Andrey Santos; the left winger Angelo Gabriel (the Blaugrana had a preferential purchase option); the '9' of Santos Deivid Washington who sounded for Barça Atlètic; and, now, Moscardo.