Newcastle United have reportedly had a €20 million bid turned down for Flamengo midfielder Matheus Franca.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle United are looking to sign Matheus Franca this month. And it will be interesting to see if the Magpies decide to return with an improved offer for the 18-year-old Brazilian midfielder before the transfer window closes.
Apparently, Newcastle United submitted a package of around €20 million for the highly-rated midfielder. But Flamengo have decided to turn it down. The Premier League outfit are not keen on overpaying for a player, who is valued at €25 million.
Matheus Franca is rated quite highly in South America and he has the potential to develop into a world-class player in the near future. It is understandable why Flamengo are unwilling to sell him easily. He has been linked with Real Madrid as well.
It seems that the Magpies might have to shell out a premium to convince the Brazilian club. Franca can operate across a number of attacking positions and his versatility would be a major bonus for Newcastle if they manage to sign him. And this is not the first bid from the Tyneside outfit.
Flamengo have turned down new bid from Newcastle for Matheus França — it was worth €20m total package ⚪️🇧🇷 #NUFC
Newcastle want Matheus but they will not overpay, clear message as last bid was close to ‘internal’ Brazilian market release clause worth €25m. pic.twitter.com/tO1tZkIHNi
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 29, 2023
The 18-year-old can operate as a central attacking midfielder, a false nine, and as a winger. He will add some much-needed flair, vision, and agility in the final third. With players like Allan Saint-Maximin struggling to hit top form this season, Newcastle need more cutting edge in the final third.
The Magpies have already signed Anthony Gordon from Everton. And the arrival of Franca would certainly help them improve enormously. The Magpies are currently pushing for a place in the UEFA Champions League next season. And they need all the help they can get during the second half of the season.
Newcastle United are one of the richest clubs in the world. And there is no doubt that they have the resources to tempt the Brazilian club into selling their 18-year-old. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.
The opportunity to join an ambitious club like Newcastle and play in the Premier League will be a tempting proposition for the young midfielder. But it remains to be seen whether he decides to push for a transfer this month.
