Crystal Palace director Dougie Freedman has reportedly travelled to Brazil to watch Flamengo starlet Matheus Franca in the flesh as the Premier League outfit look to snatch the winger form under the noses of Arsenal and Newcastle United.
Matheus Franca’s ‘new Vinicius Junior’ moniker may have a lot to do with the fact that, like the Real Madrid superstar, he made his name while rising through the ranks in the red-and-black stripes of Flamengo.
But those comparisons are not solely the result of their shared background.
19-year-old Franca is tricky, skilful, and would give Harry Houdini a run for his money when it comes to wriggling out of tight spaces. The teenager, a la Vinicius Jr, does much of his best work on the left wing too; scoring four goals in 17 Brazilian Serie A matches during a breakthrough 2022 campaign.
Amid reports linking Franca with Arsenal and Newcastle, the Daily Mail reported last week that ‘discussions’ were also ongoing with Crystal Palace.
The Athletic adds that Freedman – in his role as the club’s sporting director – has even made the near 6,000 mile journey to watch Franca in the flesh for is Rio de Janeiro based employers.
Is the ‘new Vinicius Junior’ heading to Crystal Palace
Palace have long since been keeping tabs on Franca. The Brazil U20 international may be viewed as a long-term replacement for the out-of-contract Wilfried Zaha, although Freedman and co have not given up hope of tying the Eagles legend down to a new contract.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle United failed with a £17 million bid for Franca in January; the Brazilian giants refusing to cash in after losing fellow starlet Joao Gomes to Wolves.
Flamengo are, however, reportedly willing to consider offers in a similar bracket just six months on.
“Franca is an attacking midfielder and there is a real talent there,” South American expert Tim Vickery told Sky Sports. “He’s strong on the ball and he’s got a lovely dip of the shoulder.
“It’s hard for Matheus Franca to get a game when (Flamengo are) at full strength. So, I think Flamengo would be open to selling him. But they want money.”
Palace, meanwhile, have reportedly agreed a deal to make Bournemouth’s Jefferson Lerma their first summer signing.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
