FIVE Breakout Copa America Stars Premier League Clubs Should Be Keeping An Eye On

Content Editor

3 years ago

Tags: Arsenal, aston villa, Chelsea, Everton, Leeds, Leeds United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Sheffield United, Southampton, Spurs, West Ham, Wolves

With the focus of most fans being on the European Championships, some may have overlooked the fact that there is another major tournament going on at the moment.

The Copa America has just finished the group stages, and with work permit rules being changed after Brexit, English clubs now have the freedom to sign young South American players, especially if they have played once or twice for their country.

We have, therefore, compiled a list of youngsters who have made appearances at the Copa America. Some of these will almost certainly be on the radar of Premier League teams.

Press the next page as we name five Copa America starlets who could be targeted by English teams.

Julian Alvarez (River Plate)

The winger was given his competitive international debut by Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni in yesterday’s 4-1 win over Bolivia.

While Alvarez remains a raw talent, he is already showing off his talents for River Plate in the Copa Libertadores and Copa de la Liga. His contract expires in 18 months’ time so European clubs will be keeping a close eye on him.

Piero Hincapie (CA Talleres)

The 19-year-old defender had not even played a friendly match for Ecuador before he was handed his debut in the first group match of the Copa America against Colombia.

Hincapie may have been on the wrong end of a 1-0 defeat but he still impressed observers with his performance. He has subsequently started three more group games, including an impressive 1-1 draw versus Brazil a few days again. Spanish and Italian teams are already pursuing his signature so English clubs will need to move fast if they want to sign the centre-back.

Facundo Torres (Penarol)

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder made his international debut in a World Cup qualifier earlier this month, and he has since gone on to impress for Uruguay at the Copa America, scoring as a substitute in a 2-0 win over Bolivia.

Torre has also impressed at club level for Penarol, scoring three times in the Copa Sudamericana (South America’s equivalent of the Europa League). He could be set for a big move to Europe soon.

Tomas Alarcon (O’Higgins)

The defensive midfielder is a former captain of Chile’s Under 23 team, and he has now progressed to the senior side. It must be said he has had a somewhat difficult Copa America so far.

Alarcon only made substitute appearances in the first three games, but the 22-year-old did start the last group stage match. However, he was taken off at halftime as Chile lost to Paraguay. He is still an interesting young talent, though, that some Premier League teams will be taking a look at.

Jaminton Campaz (Deportes Tolima)

The Colombian attacking midfielder has only featured once in the Copa America so far, but it was his debut. He came on for the last half hour of the 0-0 draw against Venezuela.

Campaz has only just turned 21 but he can play in multiple positions. He has been utilised as a left-winger, on the right flank, and as a number 10 by his club this season.