Looks like Manchester City have convinced Palmeiras to officially open negotiations for Allan Elias after pushing ahead with talks on Friday.
That is the latest from Brazil, and adds some caution to suggestions the transfer is already close to completion.
Earlier on Saturday, we covered Santi Aouna’s claim that Manchester City have agreed personal terms with Allan. He also said the two clubs are nearing an agreement.
The Brazilian information shows there has certainly been progress. However, the financial side of the operation is still being worked out.
The big news is ESPN Brazil and Globo Esporte both report that Palmeiras have now opened negotiations with Manchester City.
Manchester City get Palmeiras to negotiating table
ESPN explained how the situation changed on Friday afternoon. Palmeiras had rejected the first figures indicated by City earlier in the day. Those numbers never became a formal offer.
Manchester City maintained contact and reinforced their desire to sign Allan Elias. Then journalist André Hernan said Friday evening’s discussions were specifically aimed at getting Palmeiras to agree to formally negotiate. And they succeeded.
“They are open regarding Allan”, he stated. And there’s a reason for that, according to him.
“Palmeiras sees City as a major partner (Gabriel Jesus and Vitor Reis) but is expecting an offer that matches the value of an asset they weren’t keen on selling until now.”
The structure of the deal is being discussed, and ESPN say negotiations should continue throughout the weekend.
€35-40m being discussed
Globo Esporte provide more detail on the financial gap the clubs are trying to bridge. They say figures between €35m (£30.3m) and €40m (£34.6m) are being discussed as the parties search for a structure that works.
ESPN suggest Palmeiras are aiming higher within that range. Their information is that the Brazilian club want something close to €40m (£34.6m) as a fixed fee, with additional bonuses potentially taking the overall package higher.
So there has been clear progress, but the latest information from Brazil suggests the details still need work.
But of course Palmeiras initially had no intention of selling Allan Elias during their season. They consider him one of Abel Ferreira’s most important players.
The player’s desire to join Manchester City has helped change that position. Globo Esporte reiterate that his camp see the transfer as a “unique opportunity”.
There’s also a recent precedent for Palmeiras changing their mind. They didn’t want to sell Vitor Reis in January 2025 either. Manchester City eventually offered €35m (£30.3m), and that was enough to get the deal done. Allan could now follow a similar path.
The difference is that Palmeiras appear to want even more this time. City have managed to get them to the negotiating table, but still need to find the financial formula that gets Allan out of Brazil.
