Barcelona are closely monitoring Brazilian winger Luiz Henrique, who recently played a pivotal role in Botafogo’s maiden Copa Libertadores triumph, Soccernet.football reports.
Botafogo etched their name in history on Saturday, defeating Atletico Mineiro 3-1 despite playing with 10 men from the second minute.
Henrique, 23, was instrumental, registering a goal and an assist in the final, showcasing his ability to shine on the biggest stage.
Henrique’s resurgence this year follows a challenging stint at Real Betis, where he struggled to deliver consistent performances under Manuel Pellegrini.
Returning to Brazil for €15 million, the winger has revitalized his career, contributing 12 goals and six assists in 51 appearances for Botafogo this season.
His performances also earned him a spot in the Brazilian national team, where he has scored twice in six caps, competing with Savio Moreira for the right-wing berth.
Spanish outlet Sport reports that Barcelona, who had previously scouted Henrique during his time at Betis, remain interested in the talented forward.
His recent development has kept him on the radar of the Blaugrana as they continue to evaluate his progress.
Off the pitch, Henrique has faced challenges, including allegations of spot-fixing earlier this year. However, no action was taken, and the matter was resolved.
Most recently, he involved Brazilian authorities to address an alleged blackmail attempt by the sister of an ex-girlfriend, who reportedly threatened to release an intimate video unless paid.
Despite these personal issues, Henrique’s performances have caught the attention of European giants, with Barcelona now reportedly weighing their options for a potential future move.