Manchester United City
Manchester City and Manchester United remain in the mix for Palmeiras wonderkid Eduardo Conceição. However, the latest update from Brazil suggests both Premier League clubs may now have to wait a little longer before making their move.
Globo Esporte reports talks involving the player’s representatives and several European giants have cooled following the World Cup. Now, Palmeiras is focused on developing the 16-year-old inside manager Abel Ferreira’s first-team environment before pushing ahead with any transfer.
That marks a change from recent weeks. Manchester City and Manchester United were among the clubs holding discussions over a potential future deal alongside Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.
Talks cool despite valuation discussions
According to the report, Eduardo’s representatives held talks with City, United, PSG and Barcelona over a package worth around £21.5m (€25m) in guaranteed money plus another £13m (€15m) in bonuses. Even Jurgen Klopp tried his luck.
Those figures were discussed between the parties. However, none of the clubs turned them into a formal offer.
Instead, the long-term objective has been to find a structure that could eventually satisfy Palmeiras’ asking price. The Brazilian club are looking for a deal worth around £43m (€50m). This would be potentially through a package including £26m (€30m) upfront and £17m (€20m) in performance-related bonuses.
With Eduardo unable to move to Europe until he turns 18 at the end of 2027, there is no pressure on Palmeiras to accelerate negotiations.
Palmeiras switch focus to development
For now, the club’s priority is helping Eduardo increase his value. The teenager has already completed a ‘mini pre-season’ alongside the senior squad during the Club World Cup break.
Palmeiras have also reduced his minutes at youth level, with the plan now being for him to train regularly with Abel Ferreira’s first team before dropping back only when competitive matches are needed.
The report adds that Abel has been working closely with the youngster, while experienced players have also helped his adaptation. For example, experienced midfielder Marlon Freitas has spent time discussing positioning with Eduardo during training matches.
That whole approach mirrors the pathway previously followed by Endrick and Estevão.
For City and United, the race is therefore far from over. If anything, Palmeiras appear happy to pause negotiations for now, confident that more first-team exposure could make one of Brazil’s brightest prospects even more expensive before he eventually heads to Europe.