Author: Barkha Roy
Crystal Palace are on the verge of securing a major transfer by signing Brazilian U-20 midfielder Matheus Franca from Flamengo for a fee of up to £26 million. The 19-year-old has been a long-time target of the Eagles and, after passing a successful medical examination this week, the deal is close to being finalized.
Hailing from Flamengo’s renowned youth ranks, Franca’s rapid progress saw him make his first-team debut in December 2021. Since then, the attacking midfielder has been a key part of the team, making 29 appearances this season and scoring three goals in Brazil’s top flight. While Flamengo are fighting for first place in the league, Franca’s performances have caught the eye of several important clubs, with Chelsea and Newcastle also expressing an interest in the young talent.
Crystal Palace see Franca as the perfect addition to fill the gap left by talisman Wilfried Zaha, who left for Galatasaray. The club’s sporting director, Dougie Freedman, played a key role in securing the transfer, having observed Franca extensively in recent months. Palace’s confidence in the young Brazilian is evident through the substantial financial commitment, making Franca the club’s second biggest signing this summer, following the acquisition of Colombian midfielder Jefferson Lerma from Bournemouth on a free transfer.
The deal with Flamengo includes several performance-based bonuses, including a significant €5 million (£4.3 million) reward should Franca be nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award. In addition, Palace have secured a 20% sell-on clause, ensuring that the club benefits from any future transfer in excess of the initial £17 million payment.
Franca is expected to undergo medical tests on Monday before heading to London to sign the contract. His versatility as a striker and his ability to play in various attacking roles make him a valuable asset for Patrick Vieira’s side as they look to strengthen their squad for next season.
While Palace are celebrating the imminent arrival of Franca, there is uncertainty over the contract extension of midfielder Eberechi Eze, whose current deal expires in 2025. Several of the club’s key players have also attracted interest from other Premier League giants. Liverpool have been linked with a move for midfielder Cheick Doucouré, while defenders Joachim Andersen and Marc Guéhi have caught the eye of Newcastle and Tottenham respectively.