According to Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor, Real Madrid target Matheus Nascimento could move to Selhurst Park on loan.
What’s the story?
Well, the 56-year-old has recently purchased stakes in Crystal Palace, Botafogo and Lyon.
At Botafogo, there is an issue with the club’s most exciting young prospect Matheus Nascimento, as he is yet to sign a new contract with his current deal expiring in June 2023.
As a result, Textor has proposed a unique contract, which would see the 18-year-old loaned to one of the clubs he co-owns after the Brazilian football season ends on November 15th.
The American told Reuters: “We are offering a contract that is extremely lucrative to him as a player but we are also hardwiring in the contract a guaranteed first-team roster spot in Europe with the clubs in which we have ownership.
“He would play for Botafogo but the season in Brazil ends November 15. So I can put him in a three-month loan in Europe in a first-team roster for him to learn what it’s like to be a top level pro.”
Now, that would be a very interesting signing for Crystal Palace, if the Eagles are chosen to be Nascimento’s destination over Lyon.
Of course, the teenager cannot expect to just walk straight into Patrick Vieira’s first-team, although it gives the south Londoners an opportunity to see one of South America’s biggest talents on their doorstep.
Without Textor, Crystal Palace would surely have no hope of signing the Brazilian wonderkid, who is being heavily pursued by Real Madrid.
That alone speaks volumes, as Real Madrid know the South American market well having secured the signatures of Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo Goes in recent times.
Real Madrid could help Crystal Palace
In our view, this could be a defining move for Crystal Palace.
It is something of a stretch, but if Nascimento does well on loan in south London, and it prepares him for a future move to Real Madrid, a bridge could be built.
Just look at Crystal Palace and Chelsea, who have created a strong relationship over the years thanks to the Eagles developing their young talents, such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Conor Gallagher.
In fact, that relationship led to Chelsea sending Michy Batshuayi to Crystal Palace, even though the Blues could’ve made more money elsewhere – according to the Independent.
If a successful loan for Nascimento leads to similar contacts with Real Madrid, then Vieira should definitely push for it.
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