Manchester City eyeing £43M Brazilian starlet to progress Hugo Viana rebuild | OneFootball

Manchester City have been heavily linked with Athletico Paranaense and Brazil teenage sensation Bruninho ahead of the summer transfer window, as per reports.

The City Football Group’s scouting network in south America continues to track the young talent’s progress, with Manchester City having reaped the rewards of their ownership’s global reach. Reports from last year suggested that Bruninho has been on the radar of several clubs across Europe, including Real Betis and Zenit St. Petersburg.

The Brazilian youngster has also reportedly attracted attention from Wolves, who have been monitoring him closely in recent months, while Tottenham were also linked with early interest in 2025.

In January 2025, Manchester City signed centre-back Vitor Reis from Brazilian side Palmeiras, followed by the 20-year-old joining La Liga club Girona on a season-long loan deal in August. Now, the English club are reportedly keen on bringing Bruninho to the Etihad Stadium, keeping a close eye on his development.

However, talks have not yet progressed into formal negotiations and details about the Brazilian’s contract with Athletico Paranaense are deemed to be complicated.

Who is Athletico Paranaense’s Bruninho?

Bruno Braga Ramos, commonly known as Bruninho, plays as an attacking midfielder for Athletico Paranaense. Born in Sao Paulo, he started his youth career at the club in 2021.

After progressing through the youth setup, Bruninho was promoted to the first-team to play in the 2026 Campeonato Paranaense, making his senior debut in January, wherein he started and scored Athletico’s second goal in a 2-1 away win over Andraus.

He made his Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A debut in February by coming on as a late substitute for Stiven Mendoza in a 2-1 home win over Santos.

Bruninho has scored four goals in 14 appearances for Athletico Paranaense’s senior team so far. He also recently featured in Brazil’s U20 side, registering an impressive performance against Paraguay.

What are the clauses of Bruninho’s Athletico Paranaense contract?

Bruninho is currently under contract with Athletico Paranaense until March 2028.

As reported by RTI Esporte and relayed by Sport Witness, Athletico are not keen on parting ways with their talented academy star unless offers around the amount of €25 million (£21.5 million) approach, with his release clause for foreign clubs set at €50 million (£43 million).

Athletico are also reportedly working on a deal renewal that would improve the player’s salary and include performance-related clauses.

A potential move to a foreign club for Bruninho also depends on timing, as the midfielder can only do so after turning 18 in August 2026.

What’s next for Manchester City?

The report from RTI Esporte also suggested that Man City’s sporting director Hugo Viana leading the charge in the race to acquire Bruninho’s signature, which points to the Premier League side’s heavy interest in the up-and-coming star.

Bruninho has displayed versatility on the pitch – operating as a winger, attacking midfielder or central striker. His flexibility has been considered appealing to several clubs, including Manchester City, who have been known to make young signings based on tactical adaptability.

As the wonderkid comes with a hefty price tag, City could consider exploring a different route within the City Football Group, who own Brazilian side Bahia. With Brazilian clubs having the option to sign Bruninho for €10 million could potentially provide City the opportunity to bring the teenager to Bahia first, followed by moving him to Europe once he turns 18.

City’s interest in Bruninho appears to be part of the club’s long-term planning and an investment for the future.