Manchester City are still very much pushing for Palmeiras teenager Eduardo Conceição, despite growing noise from Barcelona.
The picture looks different from the eyes of the Brazilian press. Reports continue to place Manchester City as the club doing the most behind the scenes, trying to move early and gain an advantage before the situation becomes even more crowded.
In Spain, coverage has leaned towards Barcelona being in front, with the player willing to wait and understand their project. In Brazil, however, the emphasis remains on City’s efforts to accelerate a deal and stay ahead of their rivals.
Manchester City presence felt in Brazil
One quote sums up the situation well. As reported by ESPN Brazil, a source close to the player described the scenario simply: “All the big clubs in Europe want him.”
But as per this lastest report, City’s approach has not been passive. Club representatives travelled to Paraguay during the U17 South American Championship, following Eduardo Conceição closely and strengthening contact with his camp.
That kind of presence underlines how seriously the club are taking the situation. It is about being there, building relationships and trying to position themselves ahead of the rest.
Eduardo rewarded that attention on the pitch. He finished the tournament as one of Brazil’s standout players, recording two goals and two assists in six matches.
Brazil ended third after beating Ecuador 1-0, having lost in the semi-finals to eventual champions Colombia, who defeated Argentina 4-0 in the final.
Constant contact as race intensifies
Away from the pitch, the battle has continued at full speed. ESPN describe “ongoing daily contact” between interested clubs and people close to the player. That level of communication reflects just how competitive this race has become.
Alongside Manchester City, clubs such as Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle United remain involved, while Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona continue to apply pressure from outside England.
Price rising as Palmeiras hold firm
For now, Palmeiras are holding their ground. The market has been working around figures close to £34m (€40m), but the Brazilian club are aiming higher. Internally, they are looking for something closer to £43m (€50m) before seriously considering a deal.
There is also no urgency from their side. Eduardo cannot move to Europe until December 2027, which allows Palmeiras to wait for what they would consider a standout offer.
With Manchester City still pushing, Barcelona shaping the player’s thinking, and interest spreading across Europe, that “standout” bid may not be far away.