Arsenal and Chelsea may have some waiting to do if they want to take Iago Machado away from Corinthians.
The 17-year-old has already attracted attention from both Premier League clubs. Now Bayern Munich have joined them, putting the defender on their watchlist in recent months.
There have been approaches from Europe, but Iago’s camp currently has another plan in mind. They want him playing for Corinthians for as long as he can.
Iago camp has clear plan before Europe
Brazil’s TMC reports that Iago’s representatives want him to establish himself at Corinthians before thinking about a move abroad.
Now he’s getting opportunities, the priority is pretty simple. They want the youngster to play as many minutes as possible.
Iago’s camp want him to become a regular starter during the first half of 2027. That’s the pathway they’re working towards despite enquiries arriving from Europe.
It means Arsenal, Chelsea and now Bayern are watching a player whose immediate focus remains in Brazil.
The timing is something to consider too. Iago turns 18 on February 17th, which is when an international transfer becomes possible. By then, his representatives hope he’ll already be well into his first-team development at Corinthians.
Manager clearly likes what he sees
Things are moving quickly on that front. Manager Fernando Diniz has now started Iago twice in the league, against Flamengo and Fluminense. The youngster performed well in both matches and is starting to generate excitement among Corinthians supporters.
Diniz certainly isn’t hiding how highly he rates him.
“This is a player who has everything to have a very bright future,” he said after the Flamengo match.
“He’s a different player. He’s young, but there are players who have a certain fit with what the football world needs.”
“What I see is that Iago can be one of those very different players, who can build a beautiful career.”
And if there’s any doubt over Diniz’s eye for young talent, it’s worth remembering he’s said similar things about players he helped launch into senior football, including Wolverhampton’s André, Galatasaray’s Gabriel Sara, Real Betis’ Antony and, more recently, Bournemouth’s Rayan.
So TMC expect Iago to continue picking up minutes. He’ll also have around two weeks of training with Diniz during the international break.
Bayern join Arsenal and Chelsea
Bayern Munich’s arrival on Iago’s list of admirers adds another major European club to the situation.
TMC say the German side have added him to their watchlist over recent months. Arsenal and Chelsea had already sent scouts to watch him earlier this year.
There could eventually be another financial wrinkle too. Iago’s international release clause currently stands at €100m (£87m), but TMC say his contract contains performance-related triggers which can increase that figure. His deal runs until April 16th, 2028.
In the end, Iago’s side aren’t looking to rush things. Their plan is for him to play, develop and push for a regular Corinthians place first. Judging by Diniz’s comments and those two recent starts, that process is already well underway.
