The U18 World cup, a proving ground for the next generation of soccer talent, has quickly become a focal point for European clubs seeking an early advantage. Racing Club’s recent strong showing – reaching the final before falling too Barcelona – put their young players squarely in the international spotlight, and one name in particular has emerged as a target: 17-year-old midfielder Bautista Pérez.

Pérez, the son of Perico Pérez, distinguished himself throughout the tournament, consistently delivering strong performances under the guidance of coach Chaco Martínez.Scouts from across Europe’s major leagues were in attendance, and it was Italian Serie A side Parma who moved first, formally requesting details about acquiring the promising central midfielder. Described as a “raw diamond” by those familiar with his game, Pérez possesses a rare combination of size (1.82 meters), technical skill, and tactical awareness. His ability to both distribute and win back possession makes him a highly sought-after prospect.

Adding to his appeal, Pérez also holds Portuguese nationality, granting him a community passport and simplifying any potential transfer within the European Union. While Pérez is currently without a professional contract with Racing Club – a situation that creates inherent risk for the club – Parma’s initial offer would have involved only a training compensation fee, alongside a percentage of any future transfer