Barcelona leading the race for Rapid Vienna forward Yusuf Demir

The Spanish giants are known for going under the radar and signing some hidden gems.

According to the football transfer rumours in Spanish media, Barcelona are leading the race for Rapid Vienna forward Yusuf Demir.

The 17-year-old has been subject to interest from various European clubs.

The Austria international joined Rapid Vienna in 2013. His contract expires in the summer of 2022.

The forward has featured in 24 matches for Rapid this term, netting 6 goals and providing 2 assists in all competitions.

Demir is one of the brightest talents across Europe. He has represented Austria at Under-15, Under-17 and Under-21 level, winning 25 caps and scoring 19 goals.

The 17-year-old has been in impressive form for Rapid this season and it looks like he caught the eye of many European clubs including Barcelona.

Barcelona are looking to sign a forward and have identified the 17-year-old as potential transfer target.

Ronald Koeman is a known admirer of the player and is reportedly keen on the idea of bringing him this summer.

Yusuf Demir has the talent to play many roles in attack.

According to the report, “Barcelona have been linked with Yusuf Demir, a 17 year-old left-footed forward who currently plays for Rapid Vienna and has acquired the moniker of “the Austrian Lionel Messi“. Demir, born in Austria with Turkish roots, has been linked with Manchester United, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, but Marca report that Barcelona are the main candidate. Barcelona are said to have tracked the youngster for a long time, and would like to move for him for a fee somewhere between six and eight million euros. Dortmund are a strong rival, who have the selling point of a proven track record of developing young talent. Rapid are said to have decided to sell him this summer as his contract ends in 2022 and they don’t want to lose him on a free transfer.”

TOP FOOTBALL TRANSFERS 2019-2020

A big money bid from Barcelona could tempt Rapid into selling their prized asset.

Rapid Vienna would be wise to keep the Austria international, but if they do let him go expect it to be for a hefty sum.

Good signing for Barcelona?

It is smart from the club to invest in younger players, rather than splashing out big money on experienced players with no resale value.

Signing the 17-year-old in the summer transfer window would be a masterstroke from Koeman.

Stylistically, he would be a great fit in Barcelona.

All in all, Yusuf Demir will be an ideal choice for Ronald Koeman as he ticks all the right boxes in terms of what he demands from his attackers.

It will be interesting to see if Barcelona can beat their rivals to the forward’s signature.

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Should Barcelona sign Yusuf Demir?

Bologna-born Giuseppe Bianchi has spent more than a decade living in Rome and writing about Italian football, Spanish football and the Premier League for various Italian football portals and now he writes about European football for Euro Football Rumours. He's been thinking about football transfers pretty much nonstop since the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. Aside from writing, he likes to spend his time fishing and rock climbing.