European football's elite are already on the trail of the next big thing from South America, and this time it's a teenager who's earning comparisons to one of the game's most dominant forces.

FC Barcelona, always on the lookout for rising stars to bolster their future squad, have set their sights on Ecuadorian sensation Juan Riquelme Angulo. The 18-year-old forward, who stands at an imposing 1.93m, has been dubbed the 'Ecuadorian Haaland' for his rare blend of physical power and technical finesse.

Despite having just ten senior appearances for Independiente del Valle under his belt, Angulo has already scored twice and earned an emergency call-up to Ecuador's national team. That rapid rise has put him firmly on the radar of some of Europe's biggest clubs, including Manchester United, Benfica, and Porto, alongside Barcelona.

What makes Angulo so special isn't just his height—it's how he uses it. While his frame might suggest he's a traditional target man, he's equally comfortable carrying the ball from deep, accelerating into space, and creating chances for teammates. That combination of athleticism and skill has sparked comparisons to Manchester City's Erling Haaland in his homeland, and it's easy to see why.

His international profile got a significant boost when Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece called him up as emergency cover following injuries to Yeboah and Kevin Rodriguez. Even without making his debut, that call-up has turned heads across the scouting world.

For Barcelona, who have a long history of unearthing gems in the South American market, Angulo represents the kind of long-term investment that could pay off handsomely. Whether he becomes the next Haaland or carves his own path, one thing is clear: the race for the 'Ecuadorian Haaland' is heating up.