Juventus: Everything you need to know about new signing Kaio Jorge

As Juventus dither to secure the transformative signing of Sassuolo’s Manuel Locatelli, the club have moved with impressive efficiency to bring in an unproven teenage commodity from South America.

Santos’ 19-year-old striker prodigy Kaio Jorge is set to become Juventus’ first signing of the summer in a deal that could total €4m. While the forward is raw and pretty unknown in these quarters, it’s a move with little risk and plenty of upside.

However, before the club officially announce Jorge’s arrival, with the player due in Turin later this week to complete the move, we thought we’d take a look at what the Brazilian starlet is all about.

So, here’s a deep dive into Juve new boy Kaio Jorge.

Following in his father’s footsteps

The name Jorge Ramos is one that I can almost guarantee is irrelevant to you. A striker who plied his trade across Brazil’s lower divisions and briefly in the Portuguese second tier at the turn of the millennium is someone I don’t expect you to have much recollection of.

Well, unless you’re a fanatical Chaves or supporter, of course.

Nevertheless, while Ramos endured a career entrenched in obscurity, his son, Kaio, is set for the bright lights of European football. It’s fair to say we suspect the 19-year-old will fare a little better in the game than his father.

Futsal roots

Like plenty who have come before him in his native land, Jorge’s skills were refined on the Futsal pitch.

His pre-teen years were spent in the indoor scene playing for Pernambuco-based club Nautico before moving to Sporting Recife.

Then, it was Santos who came calling.

Young debutant

Jorge joined Santos’ youth set-up as a 10-year-old in 2012 where he manifested his star potential with impressive immediacy. He scored 125 goals in five years and was swiftly anointed the Menino de Oro (“Golden Boy”) tag after becoming the youngest goalscorer, aged just 15, in Brazil’s prestigious Copa Sao Paulo – a youth tournament open to players up to 20-years-old.

The striker then became the sixth-youngest Santos debutant aged 16 in 2018, joining an illustrious list that includes Pele and Neymar as players to make their Santos debuts in their mid-teens.

Star for Brazil’s youth teams

With his talent distinct, Jorge was called up to the Brazil Under-15’s squad for the 2017 South American U15 Championship, scoring four in three games.

After making his debut for Brazil’s Under-17’s in October 2018, Jorge was then included in Guilherme Dalla Déa’s squad for the 2019 U17 World Cup. There, he claimed the Bronze Boot after scoring five times (including goals in both the semi-final and final) as Brazil won the tournament following a comeback triumph over Mexico.

Profile

While Jorge has been prolific at a youth level for Brazil, his Santos numbers are certainly underwhelming. The teenager has scored 17 times in 80 appearances for the Brazilian club, including five goals in 42 Série A games.

So, why is he held in such high regard in Brazil?

Well, it’s safe to say that Jorge is much more than a goalscorer. He’s a selfless footballer; a willing presser and a dogged runner of channels. He loves to combine with teammates, with his 6ft frame and lovely close control ensuring he’s capable of protecting the ball with his back to goal.

Football writer James Horncastle compared Jorge to Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez, such is the Brazilian’s bullish nature, while many have made comparisons to Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli due to the teenager’s versatility. Jorge is comfortable playing anywhere across the front line.

So, while the 19-year-old’s failed to establish himself as an out and out goalscorer, his skill set is nonetheless pretty exciting and unique.

Check out Jyotirmoy Halder’s work above to see how Jorge compares to fellow strikers in Brazil’s top tier.