Cruzeiro’s pursuit of Crystal Palace forward Matheus França has new details from the Brazilian press, shedding light on the Premier League club’s stance and the size of the challenge ahead.
ESPN Brazil reported earlier this week that the 21-year-old is now part of the Raposa’s plan to reinforce their squad for the second half of the Brasileirão.
Crystal Palace had initially intended to loan him to another European club for regular minutes, but his recent injury record cooled interest on the continent, prompting the Eagles to consider offers from Brazil instead.
GOAL Brazil added that Cruzeiro’s interest has been confirmed, but the operation is far from simple. França’s salary would put him among the three highest earners in the squad, and Palace’s demand for a fee similar to the €20m (£16.8m) they paid in 2023 is considered well outside the club’s financial reality.
Other Série A sides are also attentive to the situation, meaning any move will depend on Palace’s flexibility and the player’s willingness to lower his demands.