Transfer Centre

Crystal Palace 'eye Flamengo teen Matheus Franca'

By Ben Sully | 30 April 2023

Crystal Palace are reportedly keeping tabs on the progress of Flamengo attacker Matheus Franca as they consider whether to submit a summer offer.

Crystal Palace are reportedly keeping tabs on Flamengo youngster Matheus Franca.

The 19-year-old has risen through the youth ranks at Flamengo, where he has gone on to score eight goals in 45 competitive appearances.

Flamengo have already fended offers for the Brazil Under-20 international from Champions League hopefuls Newcastle United.

The Magpies allegedly made three bids for Franca of £11.5m, £12m and £14m in the January transfer window, but they saw all of their offers knocked back.

The Brazilian club were reluctant to allow two of their academy graduates to leave in January after Joao Gomes joined Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Flamengo's Matheus Franca celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates on April 5, 2023 © Reuters

With Franca attracting interest from the Premier League, Flamengo tied down the attacking midfielder to a new contract.

Franca signed a new deal until 2027 in February, which reportedly saw his release clause double from £88m to £176m.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is still an admirer of Franca, but the Magpies could face competition from another Premier League club.

According to The Sun, Palace are monitoring the Brazilian teenager as they consider whether to make a move in the summer transfer window.

Despite putting a significant release clause in Franca's contract, Flamengo are holding out for a £17.5m bid plus 50% of his next transfer.

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson before the match on April 1, 2023 © Reuters

However, the report claims that the current Copa Libertadores holders could be tempted to sell if they receive a £15m offer this summer.

Franca predominately plays as an attacking midfielder, but he can also operate up front or out wide, which may appeal to Palace due to the uncertainty surrounding Wilfried Zaha's future.

The Ivory Coast international is out of contract at the end of the season, and as it stands, he will be able to leave the club on a free transfer.

Zaha has a contract offer on the table from Palace, however, he is believed to be weighing up a potential move to French side Marseille.

After picking up 13 points in Roy Hodgson's second spell as Palace manager, the Eagles have moved up to 11th position and have all but made sure of their place in the top flight for another season.