From Brazil: Manchester City advancing in negotiations for Palmeiras’ Eduardo Conceicao | OneFootball

Manchester City are advancing towards a concrete offer for Brazilian wonderkid Eduardo Conceicao after moving beyond early interest negotiations. 

The Palmeiras teenager’s recent displays have given several major European clubs fruit for thought – including City, whose interest is not limited to the first team but rather extends through the City Football Group (CFG). 

It is thought that the CFG have tracked Conceicao for years and with him recently displaying two goals and two assists in four matches – while wearing the number 10 shirt for Brazil at the South American U17 Championship – he has caught the eye of club officials.  

Other Premier League clubs sides such as Newcastle United, who have already submitted a bid for the 16-year-old left winger, and Arsenal were among the first to make contact, while Chelsea have remained attentive. Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain remain involved among clubs abroad.

Report: Man City speeding talks to sign Conceicao

However, the situation has shifted in favour of City, who are taking a leading role after ESPN Brasil‘s report that the 2023 treble winners are trying to accelerate talks and take full control of a deal for the forward.

The most significant development, as relayed by Sport Witness, comes from Conceicao’s camp. As cited by Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola, Conceicao’s agent Adriano Ribeiro has confirmed that discussions with Manchester City are progressing.

A formal offer is yet to transpire but it is expected in the foreseeable future, which marks a clear step forward ahead of competing clubs.

The structure of the offer is also becoming clearer as negotiations advance and Conceicao’s camp are working with a proposal of £34 million (€40 million) in fixed terms, with additional bonuses on top.

What is the wider context of a deal for Man City?

City want the Brazilian this summer but of course, Palmeiras would like to hold onto their prodigal star until he reaches a maximised valuation, especially considering that they expect him to walk the same path as Real Madrid’s Endrick and Chelsea’s Estevao.

In fact, the Brazilian club have already set their stance and are only willing to consider offers beginning at an estimated £43 million (€50 million) in fixed fees, excluding any bonuses or add-ons. 

That creates a clear gap between negotiations but Manchester City, if anyone, are the masters of pulling off underquoting agreements – as was seen in the January transfer window, when the Blues signed Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi for £64 million and £20 million respectively.

That being said, Palmeiras are confident that Conceicao will leave for a figure much higher than his current valuation, though the south American outfit equally expectant that his £86 million (€100 million) release clause won’t be triggered.