Video Evidence: Keirrison (Barcelona)

“Dear friends and fans, I will, unfortunately, not be participating in the next match against Santos. The decision was taken as a group with the board of directors and while the official negotiations with Barcelona take place, I will train on my own.” - Keirrison.

“After a board meeting on Friday night, Vanderlei Luxemburgo is no longer trainer of the professional team [Palmeiras].” - A statement from Palmeiras.

“I’m no longer the manager of Palmeiras. I was sacked because of disagreeing with Keirrison’s attitudes. Read about it on my blog: [l]uxemburgo.blog.uol.com.br.” - Vanderlei Luxemburgo as tweeted on Twitter.

After reading the above quotes, it is no surprise to learn that Barcelona’s targetting of Palmeiras’ young wunderkid Keirrison sparked a huge brouhaha in Brazil over the weekend. Vanderlei Luxemburgo, the most successful coach in Brazilian Championship history with five national titles, was given the heave-ho by his club and became the first coach in history to announce his departure on Twitter. While the European Champions, if the reports are to prove accurate, are poised to offer between €15-20 million for 20-year-old Keirrison.

So what is all the fuss about?

Only six months ago Keirrison was signed by Palmeiras from Coritiba (he is also part owned by football management group Traffic) after the 20-year-old became the youngest striker in Brazilian history to top the goalscorers charts after scoring 21 goals in just 31 games last season. Half a year later and Keirrison’s golden touch in front of goal remains, the striker chalking up eight goals in 17 appearances so far for his new employer this term.

Without doubt Keirrison is primed to be a future superstar for the Samba Boys. The 5 ft 11 forward is renowned for his pace and finishing ability, and the youngster has also displayed a deft touch from set-plays to add to his arsenal. Most importantly though, Keirrison has emerged as a true goalscorer while the forward boasting a career total of 55 goals in just 103 games.

Yet, according to reports in Spain, as soon as Keirrison’s signature dries on a Barcelona contract the young starlet could almost immediately be moved on from the Nou Camp as a possible makeweight in the deal for Valencia’s David Villa or Atletico Madrid’s Diego Forlan.

Video evidence of Keirrison can be seen here.