Brazilian midfielder Matheus Franca has been linked with a move to the Premier League for weeks now, with Crystal Palace set to sign him.
Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Crystal Palace have agreed on a €30 million deal to sign Matheus Franca. The base fee for the 19-year-old Brazilian playmaker will be €20 million, with the remaining €10 million being add-ons.
Franca is highly rated around Europe, and he has the potential to develop into a top-class player. Crystal Palace will be hoping to help him fulfil his potential, and he could be a key player for them in the coming seasons.
The 19-year-old has been linked with clubs like Newcastle United and Chelsea as well. However, Crystal Palace have stolen a march on their rivals, and they have secured an agreement with the Brazilian club Flamengo.
Franca will be hoping to prove his qualities in the Premier League and establish himself as a regular starter for the Eagles. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace had a disappointing 2022/23 campaign, and they will need to bring in better players so that they can do well next season.
Crystal Palace are set to sign Brazilian talent Matheus França! Documents are being exchanged between clubs — here we go 🚨🔵🔴🇧🇷 #CPFC
Understand Flamengo will receive €20m fixed fee plus €10m in add-ons.
Medical booked for next week, as per @cahemota. Done deal. pic.twitter.com/Kb5RZuOTTU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 30, 2023
The Eagles recently parted ways with Wilfried Zaha upon the expiry of his contract, and they need to add more creativity and technical ability to their attack. Franca could prove to be a quality acquisition. The 19-year-old operates as the central attacking midfielder but he is capable of playing in the wide areas as well.
The reported €30 million transfer could look like a bargain if the midfielder manages to adapt to English football quickly and make an immediate impact. Franca will have plenty of opportunities to join a bigger club in the near future, and he will look to use Crystal Palace as a stepping stone and prove himself capable of playing for the elite clubs.
Crystal Palace have a number of talented young midfielders at their disposal, and Franca would be a superb long-term investment for them. They are likely to double their investment at the very least if the Brazilian sensation manages to fulfil his potential with them.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian midfielder will have to adapt to the way Crystal Palace play, and it will be interesting to see if the Eagles decide to adopt a more technical approach in order to get the best out of their new signing. The 19-year-old might find it difficult to adapt to direct football, and Crystal Palace will have to be patient with him.