Reports | Barcelona scout Matheus Henrique as Sergio Busquets’ replacement
With Sergio Busquets growing older, Barcelona have started scouting for potential replacements with the club considering a move for Matheus Henrique. The 21-year-old has been a revelation since his debut for Gremio and played a key role in their run to the Copa Libertadores semi-final this season.
Despite a myriad of changes taking place over the years at Barcelona only a few players have been ever-present on their teamsheet and Sergio Busquets tops that list. The Spaniard is considered to be one of the best in his position but has seen the game pass him by over the last few seasons with age catching up to him. That combined with a few other issues saw Barcelona bring in Frenkie De Jong as a long-term option with the Dutch international doing well.
But a lack of depth and Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal's potential exits in the 2020 January window has seen them consider a move for Matheus Henrique. Forbes has reported that the La Liga giants sent scouts to watch the Gremio star perform at the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Serie A. The report further added that Barcelona’s Director of Football Eric Abidal’s assistant Ramon Planes was at the Maracana.Â
While his main targets were Everton Soares and Rodrigo Caio, the report went on to add that Henrique was at the top of his list with the Catalan giants looking for the next big star. Forbes further reported that Matheus Henrique has a $123 million release clause to his name Barcelona’s relationship with Gremio could prove vital. The two sides have done business in the past when Arthur Melo made the switch from the Serie A to the La Liga seamlessly and without any fuss whatsoever.