Newcastle United and Liverpool have both been credited with strong interest in Brazilian attacking midfielder Allan Elias for months.
As we have previously covered, the Magpies have repeatedly been pushed in Brazil as one of the clubs most serious about a deal.
Now, however, a fresh twist suggests the issue may no longer be about whether Palmeiras like the numbers on offer. Instead, it may be about how – and when – the money arrives.
The latest claims from club aggregator accounts in Brazil state that Allan’s agency, Talent Sports, are continuing to push for a move.
Both Newcastle United and Liverpool are said to be willing to reach the €40m (£34.3m) mark Palmeiras have been asking for. However, their proposed payment model is proving a problem.
That is a significant detail in this saga. Furthermore, Palmeiras have consistently made it clear they do not want to lose the 21-year-old in the middle of a season in which he has already played a prominent role.
The Brazilian season runs to a different calendar than Europe. The summer transfer window is therefore similar to winter here.
Allan has made 21 appearances and scored four goals in 2026. Also, manager Abel Ferreira’s side have won the state championship and are leading the league.
Payment structure key issue on Allan Elias
According to the new claims, the English clubs would prefer to spread the cost over a longer period.
The structure under discussion would reportedly involve an upfront payment of around €20m (£17.1m). The rest would be made up through instalments and performance-related bonuses over as many as three years.
From a Liverpool and Newcastle United point of view, that would help protect their financial balance. It would still allow them to reach Palmeiras’ valuation on paper.
From Palmeiras’ point of view, it is not enough.
The Brazilian side are said to want the money in a much shorter timeframe, and that is where the talks are currently stalling. So while the headline valuation may be close to acceptable, the mechanics of the agreement are not.
Familiar resistance to Liverpool and Newcastle United
That also fits with what has already been coming out of Brazil. As we have previously covered, club president Leila Pereira has shown no desire to sanction Allan Elias’s sale right now.
Newcastle United have been described as strong favourites at different stages.
Meanwhile, Liverpool were said to be trying to secure priority in a post-World Cup arrangement. Both clubs reportedly are even taking shortcuts and contacting the player’s agents directly. Yet Palmeiras’ stance has remained broadly the same.
The club want to protect their season, and Allan Elias is seen as too important to lose unless the terms are heavily in their favour.
That creates an obvious split in the story. On one side, the agency reportedly believe this is the right moment to sell. On the other, Palmeiras believe the right moment is later – or only under more favourable financial conditions.
Our take: Could be happening faster than we expect
This feels like an important evolution in the Allan Elias case. For weeks, the discussion has centred on interest, valuations and which English club is best placed.
Now the more useful detail is that Liverpool and Newcastle United may already be close enough on the price, but still too far away on the payment terms.
That matters because it suggests the deal is not impossible. It is just not structured in the way Palmeiras want. And that could be an easier obstacle to work around.
For now though, that appears enough to keep Allan Elias exactly where Leila Pereira wants him. In green, in form, and still playing a big part in Palmeiras’ season.