EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JULY 26: Sergio Camello of Atletico Madrid during the 2019 International Champions Cup match between Real Madrid and Atletico de Madrid at MetLife Stadium on July 26, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)

Barcelona want to go after Sergio Camello of Atlético’s academy

Some of the youngsters have Barcelona have recruited for La Masia have turned out to be failures. Vitinho and Marcus McGuane showed promise, but ultimately failed to deliver. Las Palmas wonderkid Pedri could be an exception, but so could Atlético youngster Sergio Camello.

In recent negotiations between Barça and Atlético regarding Antoine Griezmann’s move, the 18-year old centre-forward was discussed. Although the talks officially ended with a €15 million payment to Atlético, Barça are keeping track of Camello’s progress.

He emerged as a top talent last season, scoring 11 goals and providing 1 assist in 23 appearances in all competitions. Camello was especially prolific in the UEFA Youth League, finishing joint third-highest goalscorer with 5 goals in 7 appearances.

His form for Atlético B also earned him his first-team debut, where he also scored his first goal for his boyhood club against Levante. Atlético have earmarked Camello as one for the future, but Barça want to bring him to La Masia to compete with Abel Ruiz.

Camello is a promising player with a lot of pace, good ball control and fantastic dribbling. He is a clinical finisher, and has an eye for goal when he is not on the ball. Barça could have secured a first-option on him during the negotiations.

From churning out technically gifted midfielders, La Masia has turned to producing quality forwards in recent times. Ansu Fati and Carles Pérez were the only two players to get a call-up to the first-team squad this season, and both players are attackers.

Sergio Camello’s signing would be a continuation of that trend, and Barça could continue building a talent pool from which to pick players in the times to come. Pedri will join up next season, while Riqui Puig is all set for a loan spell to boost his development.