From Brazil: Manchester City close to signing €40M Palmeiras winger

From Brazil: Manchester City close to signing €40M Palmeiras winger

• Man City ‘getting closer’ to signing Palmeiras winger Eduardo Conceição
• The Blues want to reach an agreement worth around €40M soon for the teenager
• A source linked to Conceição insists: “All the greats in Europe want him”

Manchester City are closing in on a deal to sign Palmeiras winger Eduardo Conceição to finalise an agreement as soon as possible, as per reports from Brazil.

The Blues have been busy planning their summer recruitment activity in recent weeks, with director of football Hugo Viana monitoring a host of targets as he continues to shape the next phase of Manchester City‘s rebuild under Pep Guardiola.

Conceição has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in south America and has attracted interest from a host of Europe’s biggest clubs, with City now believed to be leading the race for his signature ahead of the summer window.

Manchester City eyeing £43M Brazilian starlet to progress Hugo Viana rebuild

Report: City pushing to wrap up Conceição deal

As reported by ESPN Brasil’s Felipe Silva, Manchester City are getting closer to reaching an agreement with Palmeiras for winger Eduardo Conceição and are keen to conclude a deal worth in the region of €40 million as soon as possible.

The reported fee would represent a significant outlay for a 16-year-old, though it is consistent with the premiums that elite clubs have regularly paid for the most coveted teenage talent emerging from south America in recent years.

A source linked to the 16-year-old was unequivocal about the level of competition City face in their pursuit. “All the greats in Europe want him,” the source said.

City have previously been linked with Brazilian talent Bruninho as Viana looks to build a squad with the long-term future in mind – alongside the more immediate reinforcements being sought in midfield and at right-back this summer.

What is the wider context for City’s interest in Conceição?

The pursuit of Conceição is the latest in a series of moves by City to identify and acquire young, high-ceiling talent ahead of the market, with Viana having shown a consistent appetite for such profiles since his appointment at the Etihad Stadium last summer.

Earlier this month, it was reported that City had made direct contact with the representatives of Hertha BSC’s 16-year-old midfielder Kennet Eichhorn, while the club’s ownership group are also understood to be monitoring Argentine teenager Tomas Aranda on the verge of breaking into his country’s senior National Team setup.

Manchester City Transfer Tracker: Live Updates on Signings, Contracts and Loans

Conceição’s arrival, should a deal be concluded, would represent another statement of intent from Viana as he looks to build a squad capable of sustained success in the years ahead.

Whether City can fend off the considerable European competition and secure his signature this summer remains to be seen, though this update suggests the Blues are firmly in the driving seat.