Matheus Franca admits he will stay at Flamengo until the end of 2023 amid claims that Premier League duo Newcastle United and Crystal Palace have made approaches for the Brazilian winger, speaking via O Gol.
Franca, like Vinicius Jr, has risen through the ranks at Flamengo; from academy prospect to first-team starlet. Franca, like Vinicius Jr, plays with a confidence and a poise that belies his tender age, wreaking havoc with his speed and skill.
The teenager’s ‘new Vini Jr’ moniker, then, certainly has it’s roots in reality. 18-year-old Franca is one of Brazil’s most exciting young talents – and that’s saying something, given the South American nation has more glittering gems than a DeBeers catalogue – with his matchwinning display in the 1-0 Campeonato Carioca victory over Audax this month a thrilling glimpse of things to come.
“I’m focused on Flamengo,” says Franca, committing his immediate future to the Scarlet and Black outfit. “My season will be (spent) here.”
Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Man City like Flamengo winger Matheus Franca
According to Globo Esporte, Newcastle opened talks to sign Franca recently. The former Brazil U16 international is one of a number of exciting up-and-comers on Newcastle’s radar, joining the likes of Alan Varela and Ivan Fresneda. The Magpies missed out on fellow Brazilian Andrey Santos, however; the former Vasco da Gama man opting to join Chelsea’s Frankenstein squad instead.
The Daily Mail, meanwhile, say that Crystal Palace were readying an offer of around £15 million for Franca. The youngster is also on the radars of Manchester City and Bayern Munich. Palace owner Steve Parish continues to frustrate supporters with an alleged absence of ambition in the transfer market. Money will need to be spent, however, as Wilfried Zaha’s contract runs down.
Franca, however, appears to have put the speculation to one side until the Brazilian league season ends in November. Then again, there is still a chance that Flamengo strike while the iron is hot; cash in at a time in which Franca’s reputation is growing exponentially.
“Franca is an attacking midfielder and there is a real talent there,” South American expert Tim Vickery tells 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.”
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