Manchester United have now jumped into the race for Palmeiras teenager Eduardo Conceição. At this rate, it feels like the whole of Europe will soon be chasing him.
Things have been moving fast around the 16-year-old. Manchester City had been pushing hardest and looked in control of the situation.
Then came reports from Spain suggesting the player wanted to wait for Barcelona before deciding anything. Now, Manchester United have stepped in as well.
Manchester United don’t want to miss out
According to UOL, United have already told the player’s camp they plan to send an offer worth around £34m (€40m), including bonuses. UOL say that would be ‘in the coming days’.
It’s not on the table yet, but the message is clear: they don’t want to be late to this one. Especially with Manchester City already trying to move early and lock things down.
That number also tells its own story. It’s basically the same level City have been working at – and still below what Palmeiras want, which is closer to £43m (€50m).
Premier League queue keeps growing
At this point, it’s not even a short list anymore. Manchester United join Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle United as clubs who have either made moves or kept close tabs.
City are still one of the most active behind the scenes, but it’s getting crowded very fast.
Outside the Premier League, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are both very much in the picture.
Barcelona’s role is especially interesting. Recent reports say Eduardo’s camp want to understand exactly what their plan is before committing anywhere. That’s already slowed things down once – and could do it again.
Palmeiras still in control
Despite all the noise, Palmeiras are calm about it. Contradicting the Man City angle a bit, UOL says they haven’t received any official offers yet, even if signals are coming from all directions.
Eduardo signed his first professional deal until 2029, with a release clause of £86m (€100m), and the club aren’t in a rush.
They’ve already rejected approaches and are sticking to their number. If anything happens, it’s likely to be closer to €50m.
And then there’s the timing. Eduardo can’t even move to Europe until December 2027, which means everyone is basically fighting to get ahead early.
What happens now
Manchester United entering the race doesn’t change everything – but it definitely turns up the heat.
City were pushing. Barcelona created hesitation. Now United add pressure from another angle. And with Arsenal, Chelsea and others still lurking, this is starting to feel like one of those deals where positioning matters as much as the money.
At this pace, it won’t just be England watching him. It’ll be everyone.
