If Real Madrid raid his Atletico Mineiro in January for Jemerson, it should be no surprise to coach Levir Culpi.
It broke this week that Real, having been beaten to the punch by Manchester City for former Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi, now had Jemerson on their radar as an alternative. Which shouldn't be a surprise to Culpi, who was likening his young defender to Otamendi just last month.
"Jemerson is a player who I would happily compare with Otamendi," declared Culpi.
"Technically they are very similar. They are fast, strong as well, have technique, are calm.
"They are both high-level technical players."
As Manuel Pellegrini declared Otamendi La Liga's "best defender" upon his arrival at City, that's some compliment from Culpi, particularly as Jemerson, barely a year ago, was pretty much fifth-choice centre-half at Atletico MG.
But today, Jemerson is not only being linked with Real Madrid, but also being pushed by the local media for a first Brazil cap.
Former Brazil striker Caio Ribeiro is convinced by Jemerson's quality and is calling on Carlos Dunga to give the 23 year-old his chance.
"When we think of solutions for our Selecao," says Caio, "to seek out some players and monitor them a little more closely to see if they have the maturity and game to play in the Selecao, I think of Jemerson, who cannot be ignored.
"When we talk about passing efficiency and defensive quality, we are talking about Jemerson."
Despite being a natural centre-half, Caio likens Jemerson to a "quarter-back", with his passing range and calmness on the ball among his strengths: "Sao Paulo couldn't say they have a half-back of his quality."
Which is pretty reflective of Jemerson's character. Those close to the player say there's little chance of fame going to his head. After all, a contract with Atletico MG only came his way after rejection by Santos, Palmeiras and Vasco da Gama.
He was spotted in the Sao Paulo Cup playing for little Sergipe in Brazil's Fourth Division.
"Four years ago my life changed," recalls Jemerson. "Before Atletico MG, football was a past-time for me. Something fun.
"When I arrived I was a little startled. I'd never played for a major club before. Life changed. The athlete is well regulated: time to eat, sleep, what to eat. It took some getting used to!"
Of his calm on-field persona, he explains: "The tranquility is part of my style. I've come from the lower leagues. I do not get intimidated.
"Back then, I was young, playing with the older ones. It was for fun. I'd play anywhere, striker, midfield - even goalkeeper. I played where I was needed."
Now, the kid from Jeremoabo is being talked in the same breath as Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo. But the Spanish giants are not alone in their interest.
Lazio and Olympique Lyon came knocking for Jemerson over the European summer. But with the defender firmly secured to a deal to 2019, Atletico MG were happy to refer both clubs to Jemerson's €30 million buyout clause.
Real are also sure to baulk at such a fee. But Jemerson is unlikely to kick up a fuss. After coming this far, he's in no rush to force things.
"In football things happen quickly," he says. "If in the future we get a good offer, who knows? I have dream of playing in Europe, playing in the Champions League.
"But everything will happen in its own time..."