Barcelona are reportedly keeping tabs on Benfica’s 19-year-old defender Goncalo Oliveira amid growing questions over Ronald Araujo’s future at Camp Nou.
The Catalan club’s sporting director Deco is said to have met with Portuguese agents Carlos Goncalves and Antonio Casanova to discuss the young centre-back’s potential move, according to SPORT.
Oliveira is yet to make his senior debut for Benfica but has been involved in the first-team squad this season, including appearing on the bench against Porto.
The left-footed defender has also featured 30 times for Benfica’s Under-23s and five times for Benfica B. He has been capped twice for Portugal Under-21s, highlighting his promise at youth level.
Barcelona are not believed to be rushing the deal. Oliveira is under contract until 2029, and the club reportedly wants to monitor him carefully before taking any decisive steps.
With Araujo struggling recently, including a heavy 4-1 loss to Sevilla, Barca appear to be considering long-term options in central defense.
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A potential plan behind the scenes
The meeting between Deco and Oliveira’s agents was brief and mostly informal, but it underlined Barcelona’s interest.
Benfica coach Jose Mourinho reportedly described Oliveira as “my weakness” in private, signaling the youngster’s potential.
Despite this, there are no open negotiations, and the club appears content to follow its usual approach of scouting young talent early.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick said the October international break could be useful for the team. “Right now it’s good to have a break, and it can also be good for the players to go out with their national teams and find a different atmosphere,” Flick said. He added that the team would work hard to get back to their best once the break ends.
Barcelona will return to La Liga action at home to Girona on October 18, before facing Olympiacos in the Champions League and then traveling to Real Madrid.
Oliveira remains on the club’s radar as they plan for a future that could see Araujo replaced or complemented.
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