Manchester City are set to welcome Allan Elias on Thursday, with his flight to England now booked.
Before that, Palmeiras have arranged a send-off for the 22-year-old on Wednesday evening.
There was still some uncertainty over Allan’s schedule on Tuesday. We covered that he could travel to Manchester on Wednesday or Thursday. Now ESPN Brazil has cleared that up.
Allan’s ticket is booked for Thursday, August 27, when he’ll head to Manchester to sort the final details before signing for City.
First, though, Palmeiras want to give their academy graduate a proper tribute.
One last night with Palmeiras
Allan won’t play against Santos in Wednesday’s Copa do Brasil quarter-final first leg. He hasn’t been included in Abel Ferreira’s squad. In fact, his final appearance for Palmeiras has already happened.
That was Sunday’s 4-1 victory over Vasco da Gama. There was an interesting moment after that game. Allan embraced his teammates at full-time and then returned to the pitch to take pictures with his family.
We mentioned it at the time because of the talks with Manchester City. Given Palmeiras were about to start a run of away games, there was a chance it could be his final appearance at home.
It turns out it was his final appearance altogether. Allan will still be at the Nubank Parque on Wednesday evening, just not on the pitch.
ESPN say Palmeiras president Leila Pereira will personally pay tribute to him shortly before kick-off against Santos. That gives Allan the chance to receive a farewell from the supporters before leaving for England the following day.
Then it’s off to Manchester on Thursday to get the final formalities sorted.
How the Manchester City deal came together
Journalist Bruno Andrade also revealed a new detail about the people behind the transfer. Speaking on ESPN, he explained that agent Paulo Pitombeira acted as an intermediary in the negotiations.
Pitombeira has good access at Manchester City and across English football. He also has a strong relationship and plenty of access at Palmeiras.
That left him well placed to help the two clubs find a deal. Manchester City will pay €37.5m (£32.4m) guaranteed for Allan. And remember: Palmeiras own 90% of Allan’s rights.
Another €2.5m (£2.2m) comes through objectives ESPN describe as easy to achieve. Those are split into two packages involving Allan being included in the squad for 20 matches.
In other words, Palmeiras should get to €40m (£34.6m) fairly quickly. And there’s more money potentially coming after that.
The agreement contains further bonuses linked to more difficult objectives, although the exact figures haven’t been revealed.
Andrade suggested on air they could perhaps add another €5-7m (£4.3-6.1m). He made clear that was his own estimate, rather than a confirmed figure from the deal. He also thinks it’s unlikely the total package will eventually reach €50m (£43.2m).
The winger will sign a five-year deal with Manchester City, taking him through to June 2031. City will also have an option for another season, potentially extending that to June 2032.
Allan leaves Palmeiras after 96 first-team appearances, with nine goals and 12 assists. His playing days there are already over, but he gets one more evening with the club and supporters on this evening. Then, on Thursday, it’s Manchester.
