Manchester City and Chelsea interest in Eduardo Pape has already prompted a response from Cruzeiro, with the Brazilian club moving to increase its stake in one of its most highly-rated academy players.
Last month, reports in Brazil linked Manchester City, Chelsea and Bournemouth with the 17-year-old midfielder after his impressive displays for Brazil at youth level. Now Cruzeiro have taken a step that could prove significant if that interest develops into formal offers.
According to reports from Brazil, the club have purchased an additional 20% of Pape’s economic rights. Cruzeiro now own 70% of the player, while Azuriz retain 25% and the midfielder himself holds the remaining 5%.
The move comes as Brazilian reports continue to suggest that a future transfer could be worth around €40m (£34.5m), even though no official offers have arrived so far.
Cruzeiro strengthening position
The timing of Cruzeiro’s decision is difficult to ignore. Pape has become one of the most talked-about young players in Brazilian football after a standout year for club and country.
He captains Brazil’s U17 side and has continued to raise his profile since attracting attention at the South American U17 Championship.
This week alone, he scored in both of Brazil’s victories over the United States. He found the net in a 4-0 win before scoring the only goal in a 1-0 victory.
At club level, Pape has already established himself with Cruzeiro’s U20 side despite being young enough to play in the U17 category. He has recorded three goals and two assists in 18 appearances this season.
The midfielder also played a key role in Cruzeiro’s Brazilian Youth Cup triumph earlier this year, one of the reasons the club moved to extend his contract until January 2029.
Long-term plan paying off
Cruzeiro’s confidence in Pape is not new. Brazilian journalist Samuel Venâncio has revealed that when the club signed the midfielder from Azuriz in 2024, there were around 18 clubs interested in him and 11 formal proposals on the table.
Former owner Ronaldo (‘R9’, the legendary striker, yes) and executive Paulo André are said to have personally contacted both Azuriz and the player’s family to present Cruzeiro’s development plan. That project ultimately convinced Pape to choose the Belo Horizonte club.
Two years later, that decision appears to be paying off.
With Manchester City, Chelsea and Bournemouth all credited with interest, and reports suggesting a valuation of around €40m (£34.5m), Cruzeiro have moved to ensure they control a larger share of any future deal while continuing to develop a player they hope can first make an impact at senior level.