Chelsea and Barcelona locked in transfer battle over Santos defender Souza - dubbed 'the next Marcelo'

Souza has been a standout player at Santos, rising through the ranks from their youth setup to become a first-team regular. The talented full-back joined the club at the tender age of nine and quickly showcased his versatility, initially playing as a winger and even occasionally in midfield. However, it is in the left-back position where he has truly excelled, cementing his reputation as a player with immense potential. Under the management of former coach Fábio Carille, Souza earned his spot in Santos’ senior squad despite stiff competition. His attributes have drawn comparisons to Brazil and Real Madrid legend Marcelo.

According to reports from AS, both Barcelona and Chelsea are exploring options to secure Souza during the upcoming transfer window. Chelsea, in particular, appear keen to close the deal and have a strategy in place. The Blues reportedly intend to sign Souza and then loan him out to their sister club, Strasbourg, to gain European experience. However, competition for his signature is fierce, with clubs from Saudi Arabia also reportedly making offers to the player. Despite the growing interest, Santos are eager to retain their prized asset and have initiated talks to extend his current contract, which is set to expire in May 2025.

Standing at 1.83 meters, Souza combines physical presence with technical ability, making him a unique asset in his position. He is particularly notable for his quick acceleration and skill on the ball, traits that enhance his contributions in attack. Despite his offensive capabilities, he does not compromise on defensive duties, excelling in one-on-one situations with an impressive 80% success rate in defensive duels this season.

In his eight appearances for Santos this term, Souza has displayed exceptional ball recovery skills, averaging nearly nine recoveries per game. These statistics place him among the most promising full-backs of his age group, alongside other emerging talents.

The coming months will be pivotal for Souza as Santos’ new coach, Leandro Zago, assesses the youngster’s role in the squad. Whether Souza remains at Santos to further develop his game or makes the leap to European football, his potential to become a global football star seems undeniable.