A plethora of top-flight clubs are exploring a potential move for Barnsley’s talented Portuguese attacker Fabio Jalo.
At just 17 years old, the pacey playmaker has already appeared seven times in all competitions for The Tykes this season.
Albeit six cameos were from the bench, Jalo marked his first start of the season with a positive display, capped off with an exquisite finish from 20 yards out against Horsham.
Before moving to England in 2022, the promising starlet spent five years with two-time Champions League-winning giants Benfica, progressing through the academy system. Jalo, who is thought very highly of at Barnsley, has also received international recognition by earning a call-up to Portugal U18s side.
Someone who can operate on either flank, as well as the ability to play as a striker and an attacking midfielder, the addition of versatility to his game offers a different dynamic.
Reporting exclusively, TEAMtalk revealed that the ‘winger’ has caught the eye of Brighton, Everton and Fulham.
With the sought-after youngster’s contract expiring at the end of this campaign, Barnsley face an ultimatum. Due to the ever-growing risk of being unable to tie the Lisbon-born youngster down to a new deal, their hand may be forced in January into a potential sale.
Brighton have attracted worldwide plaudits with their outstanding talent identification. Recent examples include Moises Caicedo, Kaoru Mitoma, and Alexis Mac Allister. Elsewhere, Fulham have been trailing a new approach by trying to invest in younger, rawer talent.
Everton have also dipped into a similar market, with a potential link to new summer signing Youssef Chermiti. The 19-year-old Portuguese forward has also appeared for the Seleção das Quinas’ youth set-ups.
Writer’s View
With the reported interest, the pressure is now on for Neill Collins and Co. Wanting to return to the Championship, the Tykes will be hopeful of convincing their star prospect to be part of the journey.
However, time is ticking as we quickly approach the winter transfer window. If the all-important deal can’t be agreed upon, Barnsley may need to sell at the risk of losing their man on a free come the summer.
