DONE DEAL: Barcelona sign 'Pearl of Argentina' Lucas Roman

Barcelona have clinched the signing of Lucas Roman from Argentina's Ferro.

Less than a year after his debut as a senior player, Román was sold to Barca for an initial €1.2m, rising to €5m in bonuses. The striker will sign a deal to 2027.

Barca have recieved good scouting reports on the 18-year-old, who currently plays in the second division for his club. Roman is described as a versatile and skilled left-footed number '9' who can also operate on the right wing currently occupied by Ousmane Dembele in the first team.

Considered one of the 'great jewels' of Argentina football, Roman has already been approached by the top clubs in his World Cup-winning homeland such as Boca Juniors and River Plate - who have both failed to hire him.

While Roman has obviously not starred for the senior team yet, he is already an Argentina international in the youth categories and is currently preparing for the South American U-20 championships from January 19 to February 12 under the guidance of Barca legend Javier Mascherano.

Barca are said to have observed Roman throughout 2022 where he yielded a return of three goals and an assist in 27 matches. In addition to watching him in Argentina, where he was one of the surprises of the First National league, Barca also saw him play in the L'Alcudia tournament in Spain which Argentina won by defeating cross-border rivals Uruguay 4-0 in the final.

The 18 year-old will initially play for Rafa Marquez's Barca Atletic.

Román leaves Second Division Ferro after 27 games played, in which he scored three goals and provided an assist.

He is rated the best young player outside of Argentina's top-flight.