RIO DE JANEIRO, July 11 -- Barcelona have secured Brazil under-20 midfielder Vitinho on a season-long loan from Palmeiras, the Catalan club said on Tuesday.

The Blaugrana will initially include the 19-year-old in their B team squad and will have the option of making the move permanent when the loan period expires next June.

"He can play as a right-sided midfielder or as an attacking one and is a direct, fast, creative player with a good dribble and an eye for an assist," Barcelona said in a statement on their official website.

Vitinho, who is under contract with Palmeiras until 2021, has made eight first-team appearances for the Sao Paulo club, scoring one goal.

He will start preseason training with Ernesto Valverde's team on Wednesday.

"I am very happy. I'll now be able to play at the club where Rivaldo and Ronaldinho played and where my idol Neymar plays," the teenager said.

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