Manchester City’s director is eager to find a way to sign Bruninho from Athltico Paranaense in Brazil, following some impressive displays.
According to Rti Esporte, Bruninho is a target for Manchester City ahead of the summer, with sporting director Hugo Viani leading the charge in this race. The teenage sensation from Athletico Paranaense has been putting in some mature performances, as Manchester City are aiming to negotiate a deal for the winger.
The Brazilian market has been thriving with talents of immense potential, with clubs equally aiming to develop players capable of competing in the top European leagues. Athletico Paranaense are at the forefront of it with their attacking talent, Bruninho, with the winger already a part of their first-team plans at the tender age of 17.
Atlhetico are protected by a long-term contract with Bruninho, with the club now seeking at least €20–25 million to even open negotiations. The Brazilian side wants to extract the best possible value from his potential sale to one of the top clubs chasing his signature.
Manchester City, led by sporting director Hugo Viani, are eager to open talks with Athletico to get a hold of Bruninho ahead of the summer. The sticking point might be the asking price of the young attacker, as Manchester City might look to pay less than the €20–25 million mentioned for the teenager.
Athletico are expected to stick to their stance, given that Bruninho has a €50 million release clause in his contract for clubs abroad. However, Brazilian teams can sign the teenager for €10 million, which might pique Manchester City’s interest.
Manchester City to take an indirect route towards Bruninho?
The fact that Viani is taking charge of this race for Bruninho showcases how serious Manchester City are about the teenage attacker. However, if they feel the 17-year-old Brazilian wonderkid is overpriced given how much Athletico want in return, they might explore a different route within the City Football Group.
City Football Group owns Brazilian side Bahia, among many others around the world. The fact that Brazilian sides can sign Bruninho for €10 million could potentially open up a new avenue for Manchester City to explore an indirect route to signing him — bringing the player to Bahia first and then moving him to Europe once he turns 18, if they deem it a viable route.