BARNSLEY’S star youngster Fabio Jalo is hoping to emulate his footballing idol Bukayo Saka in the future - but is focusing on tonight’s FA Cup tie against Horsham.
The 17-year-old Portuguese forward joined Barnsley in 2019 following a five-year spell at Benfica - and signed his first professional contract at Oakwell in July 2022, ages just 16.
His exploits for the Reds’ academy teams has earnt him a number of first-team call ups in recent months - and he’s aiming to get off the mark for the club this season against Horsham tonight, having already scored in the EFL Trophy previously.
He said: “It will be a good experience for me and the first in the FA Cup so I’m excited.
“It’s a great competition and I’m looking forward to scoring tomorrow in the next games as well.
“The FA Cup is something I’ve watched growing up supporting Arsenal.
“We have to be ready for any opponent and we just have to win.”
His football idol is Bukayo Saka - and he’s hoping to emulate Arsenal’s famous FA Cup history.
“When I used to be at Benfica I played as a winger,” he added.
“I model myself on Saka’s decision in the final third and his play style.”
He was first called up to Portugal u18s in January this year - and it’s been a whirlwind few months since then.
“It’s always been good to be called up for Portugal because it’s something I’ve wanted for a long time,” he added.
“To be back with some players I used to play with is good.
“I’m hoping to get into the Portugal’s first team as well.”
Devante Cole is the club’s current top scorer, with 11 goals and two assists in 15 games so far this season.
And Fabio said working alongside the bags man is helping him grow.
“I can learn a lot from him,” he said.
“I spoke to the gaffer yesterday and he asked me to watch Devante.
“I’m trying to get more goals in games and more game time as well.”
