Lyle Foster's club Burnley are now reportedly on the verge of completing a shock move for famous Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldinho's son.
Burnley began their quest for an instant return to the Premier League with a convincing 4-1 win over Luton Town last weekend, and Foster was among the stars of the show as he ran the length of the pitch to provide an assist for his teammate Vitinho in their opening match of the 2024/25 EFL Championship campaign.
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With the Clarets having brought in a handful of reinforcements this season, the club is reportedly edging closer to the surprise signing of 2005 Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldinho's son.
Joao Mendes has reportedly already signed a two-year deal with the English club following a season in the FC Barcelona's prestigious La Masia academy, according to Brazilian outlet Globo.
The 19-year-old's transfer is expected to be formally announced soon, with sources saying he has already been spotted at the club's Gawthorpe training ground alongside his representatives.
?????? Ronaldinho's son João Mendes has signed in as new Burnley player. pic.twitter.com/NV5Uqpq1ib
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 14, 2024
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Mendes began his career in Cruzeiro's academy, where he remained for four years before he joined his father's former club Barca in 2023.
His contract with the Catalan giants came to an end in June 2024, and although he is said to have trained with the Blaugrana first team a number of times, he did not manage to follow in his father's footsteps by making an appearance for the senior side.
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Meanwhile, Burnley are second on the Championship table and will face Cardiff City on Saturday at Turf Moor.