£42 million wonderkid Matheus Nascimento is set to sign a long-term contract at Botafogo but a loan move to Premier League outfit Crystal Palace is still a possibility, according to TNT Sport.
It is not entirely certain, however, what sort of a role the 18-year-old would have if he was to join forces with Wilfried Zaha, Ebere Eze and co at Selhurst Park.
Would Nascimento be a genuine first-team option; battling Jean-Philippe Mateta and the revitalised Odsonne Edouard for a place under Patrick Vieira?
Or would he play U23 football instead, the teenager using his time in the English capital to build up his muscle and his tactical understanding before returning to Brazil a more rounded and battle-hardened footballer? What is certain, however, is that Palace could use their South American connections to bring in one of the most exciting young forwards from the other side of the Atlantic.
Crystal Palace could sign Real Madrid target Matheus Nascimento
“We can improve by sending a player (to Palace),” explains Botafogo director Andre Mazzuco, highlighting the connection between the Brazilian outfit and Crystal Palace due to the presence of American businessman John Textor on the boards of both sides (Lance).
“Yes, this project was offered to Matheus. He is a good boy. This project was offered personally by John and Doug (Freedman) from Crystal Palace. And myself.”
According to TNT, Nascimento will bring an end to speculation over his immediate future by signing a new long-term deal. His current Botafogo contract expires in 2023. There is, however, still a chance that a player also on Real Madird’s radar could still end up on loan at Crystal Palace.
Belgian outfit RWD Molenbeek, another under the Textor umbrella, is also a potential destination.
“Matheus is a real football player. It comes naturally to him. He is a down-to-earth boy. You can see that he has a good family which helps a lot,” Botafogo goalkeeper Gatito says of Nascimento; known as ‘the little Cavani’ due to his rangy frame, flowing locks and nose for goal (Charla Podcast).
“He’s one of the best players I’ve ever played with. And he’s going to get even better because of the quality he has. He’s a striker, he has a lot of quality and, for his age, that quality is absurd.”
Botafogo have reportedly rejected a £19 million bid from an as-yet unnamed European club for Nascimento. He has a £42 million release clause in his contract.
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