Premier League clubs and Real Madrid in race to sign Flamengo talent Matheus França

Matheus França is one of the great talents of Brazilian football and his quality has not gone unnoticed in Europe. Real Madrid, Lyon, Newcastle and Bayer Leverkusen are among the interested parties. Flamengo tied him down to a new deal in February until 2027 and he has a €200m release clause. Now, another Premier League club, Crystal Palace, are keen on acquiring the Brazilian’s services.

As reported by Brazilian outlet Globoesporte, Palace have sent a club representative to Brazil to watch França during Flamengo’s Copa Libertadores match against Ñublense at the Maracanã on Wednesday. Real Madrid have been tracking the 19-year-old since 2021 and Flamengo have already rejected, as Globoesporte has reported, offers of €20m from Newcastle and Bayer Leverkusen.

Palace to hold talks

Flamengo are reportedly open to negotiations with Eagle Football Holdings over the possible transfer of the attacking midfielder. The company, set up by American John Textor, owns 40% of Crystal Palace and also owns clubs Lyon, Botafogo and RWD Molenbeek.

França is part of the Flamengo first team, and has made 12 appearances and scored one goal in the recent Campeonato Carioca. He was a starter in the 2-1 Copa Libertadores opening day defeat to Aucas and in Flamengo’s 3-0 win over Coritiba in the Brasileirao opener.