Brazilian attacker Rafael Berinho, who started his career with Vasco da Gama, is tipped for superstardom after impressing in Croatia with Dinamo Zagreb.
Berinho has just left Dinamo Zagreb but is being tracked by Europe’s elite, including Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona (Image: )
Arsenal and Manchester United are among a long list of top European clubs to track 17-year-old sensation Rafael Berinho.
The Brazilian treasure, who also holds a Croatian passport, has just completed a move from Dinamo Zagreb to NK Custosia.
Sources close to the teenager believe he is widely regarded as one of the best talents in world football, born in 2009.
The reason Berinho just signed for NK Custosia was because he was not ready to sign a long-term professional contract with Dinamo that would keep him at the club for at least three years, with an option for two more.
The idea is that he will be free to develop at NK Kustošija, where the U19 team also plays in Croatian football’s top team, and that he will be able to move to one of Europe’s elite clubs when he turns 18.
Berinho’s agent, Andy Barra, is an investor in NK Custosia and has already transferred two players, Mika Fei and Lovro Cerfi, from the Croatian third-division club to Barcelona.
read more: Arsenal have another chance to sign ‘Türkiye’s Lionel Messi’ after big decisionread more: Arsenal News: ‘Contract agreed’ for midfielder as Gunners face £56m Chelsea transfer bid
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Arsenal, United, Barça and Real Madrid are all aware of the player and are continuing to closely monitor his progress. Due to Brexit regulations, Berinho cannot officially join the Premier League until he turns 18 next January, but English clubs could still jump at signing him if they wish.
Mirror Football could also reveal that Borussia Dortmund are keen to sign an attacker who can play as a number 10 or right winger. In recent days, Berinho’s representatives have been in Germany for face-to-face talks with BVB with a view to a possible future transfer.
Discussions centered around development plans and improving pathways, but other clubs are also expected to present their projects to the starlet and his family before any major decisions are made.
Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, is a big fan of Berinho and has a great working relationship with Berinho’s agent.
Deco is tracking Berinho and has already traveled to Croatia to meet the player (Image: David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Last September, Mr Deco flew to Zagreb on a business trip and is said to have met Mr Berinho and his father.
Arsenal and Manchester United have placed particular emphasis on signing young talent for the future in recent years.
In December, the Gunners reached a dual agreement with Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle to sign Edwin and Holger Quintero, with both players set to move to north London when they turn 18.
Victor Ozianvuna is also set to join from Shamrock Rovers in 2027 and recently attended Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium. Manchester United have also completed the signing of Colombian midfield talent Cristian Orozco from Fortaleza.
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