Top 5 South American talents who can make a move to Europe in the next transfer window

#3 Thiago Maia (Santos)

Thiago Maia’s combative displays in midfield have won him many admirers

A defensive midfielder capable of breaking up play and setting up attacks with equal ease, Thiago Maia is considered to be one of the brightest talents in Santos and Brazil. Already a first-team regular at Santos, Maia is considered to be a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets at Barcelona although Chelsea, Manchester United and Juventus have all shown an interest.

The player joined Santos in 2011 from Sao Caetano’s youth categories. He went on to make his debut for Santos in October 2014 in the match against Chapecoense, during the Serie A Championship. The 19-year-old defensive midfielder established himself as a regular starter at Santos in the 2015 campaign after an injury forced fellow Brazilian Alison Lopes Ferreira out in June.

An integral part of the Brazil squad which won the Olympic gold medal, Thiago Maia might well be playing in Europe next season, with Barcelona or Chelsea being his most likely destination.