Brazil
Manchester City may need to move quickly if they want to enter the race for Bruninho, with the Athletico Paranaense youngster now on the verge of a move elsewhere.
The 17-year-old has beenfirmly on the radar of the City Football Group in recent months. Their interest came amid growing attention from across Europe, including previous links to Wolves and Tottenham. However, the situation has now accelerated sharply.
Bruninho is now really close to joining Shakhtar Donetsk, with an agreement between clubs already in place. That development leaves Manchester City facing a narrowing window if they intend to act.
Deal agreed – but one issue remains
Bruninho has effectively been sold, pending the resolution of one key detail, as told by Itatiaia Esporte in Brazil.
The deal between Athletico Paranaense and Shakhtar Donetsk is structured at €12m (£10.3m) plus €3m (£2.6m) in bonuses. The total package could reach €15m (£12.9m). That figure is notably below the player’s €50m (£43m) international release clause, reflecting the nature of direct negotiations rather than a clause-triggered move.
Despite that agreement, the transfer is currently delayed. Athletico want to retain 20% of the player’s economic rights. Shakhtar are pushing to acquire 100% of the deal.
There is optimism that a compromise can be found. However, until that happens, the move is not fully sealed.
As with any transfer involving a minor, timing also plays a role. Bruninho will only be able to move after turning 18 in August 2026.
Club wants to sell ASAP
The Ukrainian club’s interest in the striker is longstanding. The first inquiry took place in February, without initial progress.
However, there was a renewed approach last week and talks have intensified. A representative from Shakhtar was recently in Brazil to closely observe Bruninho, as reported by Globo Esporte.
Athletico’s management are looking to complete a sale this year. And one of the reasons they want to sell fast is the teenager’s off-field behavior.
As we covered last month, the young man was stopped by police after being caught driving a BMW without a driver’s license and speeding in the city.
Because of the incident, Bruninho was ultimately cut from the squad list for the derby against Coritiba on the 22nd, valid for the eighth round of the Brazilian league.
Rapid rise and market shift
Bruninho trajectory explains why the situation has developed so quickly.
He has already stepped into Athletico’s senior setup in 2026. So far, he has four goals and one assist in 16 appearances. That follows a prolific spell in youth football, where he scored 25 goals in 43 matches across U17 and U20 levels.
At the end of March, Bruninho was called up for the first time to represent the Brazilian under-20 national team. And he shone in the victories in two friendly matches against Paraguay, both by 3-1.
In addition, he recently impressed with Brazil’s U20 side. His versatility continues to stand out. He can operate across the front line or in an attacking midfield role.
However, the speed of Shakhtar’s move has shifted the landscape. What was once a monitoring situation has turned into a near-complete transfer.
What happens next
If Manchester City wants to bring Bruninho into their structure, they will need to act quickly. The current delay offers a narrow opportunity, but it may not last long if Athletico and Shakhtar reach agreement on the sell-on percentage.
At the same time, Bruninho is not the only Brazilian talent on their radar. City are also advancing in talks for Eduardo Conceição, a 16-year-old from Palmeiras.
Notably, he operates in a similar attacking role, which could influence recruitment priorities.
That parallel pursuit may ultimately shape their decision. Either move now for Bruninho, or focus resources on a younger profile already under discussion.
For now, the clock is ticking.