Author: Vishwajit Sawant
Young talent Matheus França has impressed in his debut season in the professional squad, earning himself a place in the team. The rising star from the Flamengo youth academy has caught the eye of three Premier League clubs – Arsenal, Newcastle and Crystal Palace – thanks to his impressive performances this season.
Despite receiving offers in the previous transfer window, Flamengo rejected them, hoping to receive a bid in excess of R$100 million. As the next transfer window approaches, the club is waiting patiently for new offers for the talented midfielder.
During Flamengo’s recent Libertadores match against Chilean side Ñublense, representatives of Crystal Palace were spotted at the Maracanã. The English club, owned by investor John Textor, who has also invested in Botafogo and Lyon, is said to be interested in signing Matheus França. Textor is said to be a big fan of France’s skills and is keen to bring him to Crystal Palace.
Newcastle had already made an offer of €16 million for Matheus França in January this year, which Flamengo rejected. In February, the Brazilian club renewed França’s contract until the end of 2027, including a pay rise and a termination clause of 100 million euros.
But it’s not just English clubs that are interested in French talent. In June 2022, Bayer Leverkusen made an offer of €15 million for the midfielder, which Flamengo considered to be too low and was not officially presented.
Despite interest from several clubs, França remains focused on finishing the current season with Flamengo, and has been held up as a great example of the quality of training in the club’s youth ranks.