Everything Barca
Fansided

Barcelona pull out of race for starlet Lucas Paquetá’s signature

By Chiranjib Ghosh

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 21: Lucas Paqueta of Flamengo gestures during a match between Flamengo and Botafogo as part of Brasileirao Series A 2018 at Maracana Stadium on July 21, 2018 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 21: Lucas Paqueta of Flamengo gestures during a match between Flamengo and Botafogo as part of Brasileirao Series A 2018 at Maracana Stadium on July 21, 2018 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Barcelona are no longer interested in acquiring the services of Lucas Paquetá

After months of scouting, Barcelona had decided to go after Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paquetá. But Éric Abidal has called off the chase, having failed to negotiate with Flamengo for the 21-year old Brazil international.

Paquetá is a friend of Arthur, belonging to the same generation of technically-gifted Brazilian footballers. But Flamengo refused to negotiate for their star kid, and demanded that any club wishing to sign him activate his release clause, which is worth €50 million.

There was also a lot of competition for the signature of the starlet, with AC Milan and Manchester United still fighting it out. Paquetá could have been an alternative to Arturo Vidal in the summer transfer window, possessing many of the same characteristics.

More from Everything Barca

He has a high work rate, with active contribution to both attack and defence, he is a threat from set-pieces, a good dribbler and also a decent finisher. He is physical, and doesn’t refrain from tackling hard, receiving 4 yellow cards in the Brasileiro last season.

Paquetá is also very prolific, scoring 6 goals and providing 1 assist in 21 appearances last season, which is a very good return for a midfielder. But despite his qualities, the club has already signed Arturo Vidal and he is not needed in the squad right now.

But regardless, he could be a good option for the future, considering that Vidal is 32 and will start declining in a season or two. But unfortunately, by then, Paquetá will have moved to Europe with a top club already and will have been established in their first-team.

Next. Barça vs Girona: Expected Starting XI. dark

Éric Abidal made a blunder by not going after him in the summer, despite the fact that Arturo Vidal is a highly experienced campaigner. But what’s done is done, and the club has no choice but to exit the race for his signature now.

Home/Transfer Rumors