Manchester United are ramping up their pursuit of Belinho after making contact with the 17-year-old wonderkid, according to a new report. The Next Neymar Rafael Gomes Cirinho, known as Belinho, has emerged as one of the hottest prospects in Europe, with academy experts considering him among the best in his age bracket. Despite possessing a diminutive 5’5″ frame, the left-footed attacker is a fearless dribbler who does not back down in the face of more physically imposing defenders. Normally operating as an attacking midfielder, he likes to drift towards the right and then cut back inside on his stronger foot with devastating effect. A potent pairing of speed and skill, with incredible acceleration over the first few yards, leaves defenders for dead, while increasingly mature decision-making suggests a youngster destined for the very top. Attacking Football reveals Belinho is “believed by some to have the potential to become the next Neymar” – which explains why United have “been in contact to register their interest”. Eyed by Europe’s Elite The Red Devils are not alone in their admiration of the youngster, however. Premier League champions Arsenal are understood to be prepared to rival United, while FC Barcelona are another suitor. The Spanish giants are said to be the “stiffest competition” as they have already held talks with the player over a switch to Camp Nou. The allure for a Brazilian-born wonderkid to wear the Blaugrana shirt is a difficult one for an English side to compete with. Belinho was born in Rio de Janeiro, coming through the ranks of Vasco da Gama’s esteemed academy before moving to Croatia as a boy, where he has gained citizenship, meaning he can represent either country. Final Thoughts Attacking Football states “no deal will be completed” until 2027 as Belinho only turns 18 in January. Regulations prevent English clubs from signing youngsters from abroad before this point, while his price will not be cheap. “United will be unable to sign Belhino for under €10million. The player’s price is likely to be upwards of that, and the likes of Barcelona, who, as we mentioned, have already met with the player and his father, will be among the clubs pushing for his signature when the time comes,” the report concludes. But the fact that United have already held talks to register their interest is a promising omen, however, as INEOS continue to demonstrate their commitment to signing the best young talent from right across the globe. The captures of Chido Obi from Arsenal, Sekou Kone from Malian side Guidars FC, and Diego Leon from Paraguay’s Cerro Porteno over the past two years highlight this – but the “next Neymar” may just prove the best deal yet. Featured image Christopher Furlong via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.






