YOUTH
Barcelona’s five‑year pact to channel Brazilian talent to La Masia

Confirmed Barcelona have secured a five‑year collaboration with Brazilian club Sfera FC, giving the Blaugrana priority access to the academy’s prospects and a share of future transfer rights. The deal, driven by sporting director Deco, aims to channel South American talent into La Masia and deepen Barcelona’s scouting network in Brazil.
Since becoming Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco has worked to strengthen the club’s links in Brazil to tap emerging talent. The Blaugrana have now signed a five‑year player‑development pact with Sfera FC, a deal engineered by Deco. Deco said: “Brazil is one of the world’s leading producers of footballers; therefore we believe a partner that enhances recruitment of young Brazilian talent is vital for Barcelona.”
Sfera FC’s rapid rise
Sfera FC, founded in 2021, is based in Jarinu in the interior of Sao Paulo. The academy runs both boys’ and girls’ teams and has quickly built an impressive reputation. Its U11 to U19 squads have already achieved notable success, with the U17 side winning the 2025 Campeonato Paulista title. In 2023 the club received the Brazilian Football Confederation’s official training club certificate, marking it as a leading youth development organisation. The Brazilian academy boasts top‑class facilities and is regarded as one of South America’s finest youth centres.
Barcelona eye Bayern defender Jonathan Tah as Deco eyes January boost
Under the agreement Barcelona will have priority access to Sfera’s players, who will be invited to La Masia for assessment before any permanent signing. In exchange the Brazilian academy will retain a share of the players’ rights and receive a percentage of any future transfer fees. Gustavo Aranha, CEO of Sfera FC, said the partnership makes the club proud and excited, noting they have been operating for only four years.
Barcelona and Brazil limit Raphinha's minutes to avoid another injury