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At €12 million, Emerson is a risky bet for Barcelona

By Chiranjib Ghosh

BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 11: Emerson #14 of Atletico MG a match between Atletico MG and Palmeiras as part of Brasileirao Series A 2018 at Independencia stadium on November 11, 2018 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images)
BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 11: Emerson #14 of Atletico MG a match between Atletico MG and Palmeiras as part of Brasileirao Series A 2018 at Independencia stadium on November 11, 2018 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images) /
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Barcelona may have taken a risk by shelling out €12 million for Emerson

While Barcelona scouts may label him as the successor to Dani Alves, Emerson is yet to make an impact worthy of international recognition. He is very talented, and has a lot of potential. But the 20-year old Brazilian right-back is yet to take the first steps towards fulfilling it.

The club has reached an agreement with Atlético Mineiro for Emerson, with the youngster joining in the summer transfer window for a fee of €12 million. The price tag seems a little steep, especially considering that the starlet is yet to play for Brazil.

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After the South American U-20 Championship gets over, Emerson will join Real Betis on loan till the end of the season. The success or failure of the Barça scouts will become clearer in the coming months, depending on how Emerson adapts to Spanish football.

Betis have failed to secure an adequate replacement for Cristiano Piccini since he left the club to join Sporting CP. Quique Setién’s side have experimented with Rafa Navarro, Aïssa Mandi, Antonio Barragán and Francis but none of them have worked out as right-back.

This season, Francis has predominantly occupied the right-back spot. But now, he will have competition from Emerson. The young Brazil youth international will need to prove himself to Quique Setién, but will need to knock Francis out of the first-team.

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Only then will Emerson prove that he is capable of playing in the La Liga at a top club. But if he fails to perform, Barça will have made yet another poor signing from Brazil, like many before including Yerry Mina.