Brazil’s production of top-class footballers doesn’t show signs of slowing down. One of South America’s best-supported clubs Flamengo have a gen on their hands – one that’s already a subject of envious looks from over the Atlantic. Attacking midfielder Matheus Franca already has six goals and 25 first-team appearances to his name despite being only 18 years old. ##NAJAVA_MECA_6905957##Flamengo has already rejected an approach from Bundesliga team Bayer Leverkusen earlier this year, but Franca’s strong performances over the past two months drew yet more interest from abroad. And when Newcastle start sniffing around, you know that there will be huge sums of money involved.Franca is considered Flamengo’s most promising talent since they sold Vinicius Junior to Real Madrid four years ago. He would certainly add flair and quality should he move to the northeast of England. But the teenager is rated so highly that Flamengo tied him to a five-year contract last January, which includes a $100 million release clause, the biggest in the club’s history, which could complicate any approach.Aulas, Matheus França! 🔥🔴⚫️ pic.twitter.com/3OUIBvQUjz— Flazoeiro (@CanalFlazoeiro) November 20, 2022 Newcastle manager Eddie Howe already has two Brazilians in his squad. Midfielders Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes are proving a big hit at St. James’ Park, so it’s understandable that he’s willing to take a look at Matheus Franca.”We would love another transfer like Bruno Guimaraes because I thought it was transformational for the team and the group. They are difficult players to find, but that’s our job to try and find them, and we will endeavour to do that.”Franca, who would fit that transformational brief, is among the nominees to be crowned the Best U20 Brazilian player, with voting opening for the Samba Awards next month.
