In October 2018, The Guardian published ‘Next Generation 2018’ which included 60 of the best young talents across the world.
One of those on the list was Thiago Almada who plays for Argentine club Vélez Sarsfield, currently managed by former Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze.
The 17-year-old has scored three goals and registered two assists in 16 league appearances this season and Manchester City are interested in the youngster, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Journalist Miguel Rico, writing for the last page of the Catalan newspaper also takes a look at the reports linking the attacking midfielder with a move to Barcelona.
He claims it is logical to say the La Liga winners have seen the teenager, who has already been part of Argentina’s U20 side.
Almada has been compared to Barca’s Lionel Messi and also dubbed as the ‘new Messi’, but Rico does not agree with these claims and stresses “there is an abyss”. 
Though Almada is ‘good’, a figure of €25m seems to be ‘expensive’ for Barcelona.
Mundo does not provide details whether or not Manchester City are ready to meet Almada’s asking price. They only claim the Premier League winners are interested in him and focus more on Barcelona’s take on the South American.
