Marcel Brands sent scouts to watch the South American U20 Championships, with his Premier League employers Everton eyeing a bargain.
Everton’s director of football Marcel Brands is one of the most reputable talent-spotters anywhere in Europe.
The Dutchman discovered the likes of Dries Mertens, Gini Wijnaldum and Sergio Romero during his time in Holland so it is little surprise that he jumped at the chance to send scouts to watch the South American U20 Championships earlier this year, as reported by the Liverpool Echo.
£50 million Everton forward Richarlison made his name in the tournament two years ago. But did the Toffees discover the new Richarlison in Chile?
Well, Leonardo Campana must have caught the eye. The 18-year-old finished as the competition’s top scorer with six goals as a talented Ecuador side lifted the title ahead of Argentina.
A left-footed forward who currently plays for Barcelona SC in his homeland, Campana was undoubtedly the star of the show and it seems almost unfeasible that Everton’s scouts will not have taken note.
Richarlison went from an unknown to Everton’s most expensive player in two years and, if he can develop at such a rapid rate, then why can’t Campana follow in his footsteps?
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