Real Madrid keen on new Flamengo star Matheus França

A new talent has Brazil on its feet and the sensation is that he could follow in the footsteps of some of his illustrious forebears by making the move to Europe before too long. Matheus França, 17, is a forward for Flamengo and his performances for the club’s junior sides are already attracting interest in Europe, not least at Real Madrid, who are constantly combing the Brazilian market for more talents like Vinicius and Rodrygo through their head of international scouting Juni Calafat.

Flamengo have become aware of interest in França from overseas and have taken steps to ensure that any potential suitors will not take their youth side’s star player on the cheap, handing him a contract running until 2027 with a release clause of €100 million, the highest in the club’s history. França will participate in La Copinha in January, which is often the final springboard for the country’s best young talent. Vinicius’ move to Real Madrid was finalized after his performances in La Copinha, the Bernabéu beating Barcelona to the young forward’s signature.

França has been training with the Flamengo first team and is expected to make his senior debut before too long. He has already become a talking point in Brazil after scoring six times in two legs against Palmeiras in the under-20 Brazilian Cup.

França a versatile forward

França can operate on either flank or through the middle, is right-footed, powerful, incisive around the area and has an eye for goal. He prefers playing on the right and getting behind defenders but he can also operate as a centre forward. He has already represented Brazil at youth level and is considered one of the most promising talents who will be on show at the delayed under-20 World Cup in Indonesia in 2023.

Real Madrid and Flamengo have a long and fruitful relationship that in recent years has led the Liga club to be at the front of the queue for both Vinicius and Reinier, who cost €45m and €35m respectively. It remains to be seen at his current rate of progress how much of that €100m release clause it will take to persuade Flamengo to talk business for França.