Crystal Palace have signed midfielder, Matheus Franca from Flamengo in a deal worth £25.7m.
Franca has scored nine goals in 52 appearances for Flamengo since he made his debut in December 2021 – with six of his nine goals coming last year alone, having graduated through their youth academy which he joined in 2016.
Last season also saw Franca help Flamengo achieve a cup double as the Brazilian team won Copa Libertadores and Copa do Brasil.
Palace have agreed to pay a £17.1m initial transfer fee, plus £4.3m in add-ons which takes the initial total fee to £21.4m, with Flamengo receiving a 20% share of any future sale across his time at Selhurst Park.
Flamengo will also receive a further £4.3m in add-ons if Franca wins Ballon d’Or in future.
Speaking about his decision to join Palace, Franca commented: “I’m very happy to be here. I hope I can bring good results for our supporters, for the other players and everybody else in the team.
“I’m very excited for my first game here at my new home, giving my best for my new team. I hope all the supporters are happy with me coming here. I bet it is going to be good for all of us.”
Palace Chairman, Steve Parish added: “Matheus is a young and exciting player whose impressive early progress we have followed with keen interest, and we are delighted to welcome him to the club.
“Palace have a long history of attacking players with skill, pace, and tenacity, and I am sure Matheus will be another popular addition to the nucleus of this young and entertaining squad, packed full of international talent and potential, that we are building here in south London.”
Franca could make his debut for Palace away to Sheffield United on 12 August in a 3pm BST kick-off at Bramall Lance, before his home bow for the Eagles at Selhurst Park takes place on Monday 21 August against Arsenal live on Sky Sports at 8pm.
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