Joao Mendes, the son of legendary Brazilian forward Ronaldinho, has joined Championship club Burnley, according to sources.
During his youth career, the 19-year-old played for Flamengo, Vasco do Gama, and Cruzeiro before joining Barcelona in 2023.
He played for the Spanish giants’ Under-18 and Under-19 teams, but did not make the cut and was released at the conclusion of his contract in June.
Joao Mendes has signed with Burnley after a short hunt for a new club, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano and Euro Foot. He has agreed to a two-year contract.
The forward has not yet played professionally, therefore it is unclear if he will be able to make an impact at Turf Moor to warrant a spot on the roster.
Although he probably won’t be as happy as he was when Mendes signed with Barcelona, Ronaldinho, 44, will be happy that his son has found a new team.
‘Barça has always been part of my life and my heart and it will continue with my son,’ the former Brazil great said to RAC1 last year.
“I take Barcelona with me wherever I go,” he continued to say to Marca. I will be more present than ever at Barca with the arrival of my baby.
Burnley got their Championship campaign off the an ideal start with a 4-1 win at Luton Town last weekend in a clash between two sides newly relegated from the Premier League.
Scott Parker was taking charge of his first league game inside of the Clarets and he was thrilled with what he saw from his side.
‘The big statement was for us internally,’ said Parker. ‘The execution of what we went out to do was incredible, and the belief and the confidence that this result will bring.
‘From afar, people will look at it and will talk about it. But the biggest thing is the statement we’ve proved to ourselves.
‘A lot of hard work has gone in, a different voice from myself. To a man, (the players) were superb.’