FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester City v Newcastle United - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - March 4, 2023 Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe before the match REUTERS/Carl Recine
Newcastle United tried and failed to sign Matheus Franca during the January transfer window, and are now planning a fresh move for the teenager.
Franca was heavily linked with a move to St James’ Park at the start of the year, with Newcastle even making an offer for the 19-year-old.
However, Flamengo rejected the Magpies’ advances, and actually got their emerging talent to sign a new contract. Franca now has a deal with the Brazilian side until the end of 2028, which includes a release clause of £174million.
Now there is no way Newcastle are going to pay that amount for the attacking midfielder, but they are reportedly planning to reignite their interest in him.
Newcastle promise new move for Matheus Franca
According to Coluna Do Fla in Brazil, Newcastle have promised that they will reopen negotiations and make a new offer for Franca. They add that he is also attracting interest from Crystal Palace, as well as Juventus in Italy.
Franca is a man in demand, and clearly someone who Newcastle think very highly of. That is why they made multiple approaches for him at the start of 2023.
But Dan Ashworth was unable to do a deal, as he continues to scour the globe for youth prospects to bring to St James’ Park. He has already done it with Garang Kuol, who joined the club from Central Coast Mariners. There is hope that he will develop into a superstar.
The South American market is one that Newcastle are keen to tap into, despite a couple of failed attempts this year. Andrey Santos and Maximo Perrone were heavily linked with moves to Tyneside, but joined Chelsea and Manchester City respectively.
Newcastle will hope that they don’t miss out on Franca too, as they look to add to their Brazilian contingent. Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton are flying the flag at Newcastle, and that should hopefully encourage other Brazilians to make the same move. It almost tempted Joao Pedro to join at the start of the season, only for that deal to collapse.
Franca is obviously not an established name, but that is ok. That is the type of signing Ashworth is looking for. He wants young, talented players who can grow and develop, rather than paying a premium for readymade stars.
And with Newcastle already proving they are willing to go back in for targets after failing to sign them at first, it is no surprise to hear talk of the Magpies promising to return with a new offer.
