Botafogo got their first Copa Libertadores title on Saturday, in an epic match where they beat Atletico Mineiro to win 3-1. Despite playing with 10 men from the second minute, Luiz Henrique motivated his team with a goal and an assist to victory.
Henrique returned to play for Brazil earlier this year from Real Betis, as he struggled to find his place with Benito Villamarin. Securing a €15m deal in his country, Botafago has gotten 12 goals and 6 assists from the 51 times he played this term. Additionally, he made his debut in the Brazil national team.
Henrique is competing with Savio Moreira for a spot on the right; he has scored twice in 6 games for the Selecao.
Per report by Sport, Barcelona are monitoring his progress. They scouted him while he was at Betis, and with his recent performance, the Catalan daily says the Blaugrana are still interested in him.
Henrique showed glimpses of potential under Manuel Pellegrini, but could not maintain a consistent run of form over several months at Betis. Early this year, Henrique was accused of spot fixing, but no legal action has been taken.
The 23-year-old had another run in with the law, when he involved authorities in Brazil this week, with an ex-girlfriend’s sister who tried to blackmail him for money with an intimate video.