The son of Brazilian icon Ronaldinho has signed for Championship side Burnley. Joao Mendes, 19, has reportedly penned a two-year deal with the Lancashire side after leaving Barcelona’s youth academy.

The winger travelled to England this week to complete the deal and has been pictured holding up a club shirt.

In the photo, he’s flanked by agents Marcelo Sander and Marcelo Marchese, who are said to have played a key role in negotiations.

According to Brazilian media outlet Globo, Mendes underwent a medical on Wednesday before signing his deal. He joined Barcelona in March 2023 after four years with the Cruzeiro academy in Brazil.

After representing the under-19 side in a 3-1 friendly win over Manchester United, club president Joan Laporta said: “We want Ronaldinho’s son to continue his career here.

“We will make him a contract offer. The other day we spoke with his agent and he has to close some things in Brazil first.”

However, his 15-month contract in Catalonia ended in June. And it appears there was no agreement over an extension, despite his father vowing to play an active role in helping with his development.

He did train with the first team squad during his stint with Barca. However, Mendes, who is eligible to play for Brazil or Spain, failed to make a single senior appearance.

New Burnley boss Scott Parker has already brought in a left winger this summer, signing Mike Tresor from Genk in a £15.4million deal. And he watched his side get their Championship campaign off to the perfect start on Friday night, beating Luton Town 4-1.

The Clarets are yet to officially confirm the new arrival themselves. But a number of club fans have already taken to social media to laud developments.

Ronaldinho, 44, is considered an icon of the game having helped Brazil to the 2002 World Cup and Barcelona to the 2005/06 Champions League. He also captured the Ballon d’Or and represented the likes of AC Milan and PSG.