South American football expert Tim Vickery believes Matheus Franca is ‘one for the future’ and a ‘real talent’. Newcastle United are now in active talks with Flamengo over a transfer.
The 18-year-old has caught the attention of a clutch of European teams in line with his rise at the Rubro-Negro. Franca enjoyed his senior debut in December 2021 and has gone on to amass 25 first-team appearances. He has also provided six goals but from just a fringe role.
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Franca has also risen in the Brazil youth system with call-ups at Under-16, 17 and 20 levels. He has shown himself to have strong potential and offer a versatile presence with matches in each attacking position. Now, the Rio de Janeiro native may soon seal a move to Europe.
Newcastle are in talks with Flamengo over a transfer for Franca
Reports by Globo Esporte noted Newcastle opened talks with Flamengo over a transfer for Franca in December. It reported that the Toon hope to buy the attacking midfielder, whom the Rubro-Negro view as their main jewel since selling Vinicius Jr to Real Madrid for £39m.
But the Magpies face competition from within the Premier League and from further afield. The Daily Mail claimed in November that Crystal Palace were ready to make a £15m bid. It would have also included a sell-on fee to avoid triggering a €100m (£88.5m) release clause.
Manchester City and Real Madrid have also monitored Franca’s rise at the Maracana. But 90min now reports that Newcastle have resumed talks with Flamengo having paused their pursuit of Franca’s transfer over Christmas whilst the Rubro-Negro sought a new manager.
The Magpies are also growing in confidence that they can clinch a deal for the highly-rated Brazil gem. While Franca is keen to move to Europe, as well, despite seeing Flamengo turn down a £12m offer for his signature from Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen in December.
Vickery sees a lot of potential in Newcastle transfer target Franca
South American football expert Vickery sees a lot of potential in Franca from the Flamengo gem and Newcastle transfer target’s rise. He particularly appreciates what the teenage ace has shown on the ball in the Brazilian Serie A, in the Copa do Brasil and in the Libertadores.
“Franca is an attacking midfielder and there is a real talent there,” Vickery told Sky Sports. “He’s strong on the ball and he’s got a lovely dip of the shoulder.”
He added: “It’s hard for Matheus Franca to get a game when they’re at full strength. So, I think Flamengo would be open to selling him but they want money for him. There’s not a great deal of track record there but there’s a lot of talent.”
Vickery expects Franca to show his skill at the South American U20 Championships
Vickery also expects Franca to highlight his potential with Brazil at the South American U20 Championships later this month. The tournament runs from January 19 to February 12 and Brazil will face hosts Colombia plus Argentina, Paraguay and Peru during the group stage.
“It’s the same place and competition that Lionel Messi showed his face for the first time 18 years ago,” Vickery noted. “I don’t think Franca is going to be as good as Messi. But there’s real talent there – an 18-year-old and one for the future.”
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