On Saturday at St James’ Park, Newcastle United may face one of the long-term targets from the previous season.
Newcastle had a long-term interest in 19-year-old Brazilian sensation Matheus Franca, with numerous sources speculating that an approach was about to be made.
But it never happened, as the Magpies let Franca to elude them before Roy Hodgson signed him to play for Crystal Palace.
Franca cost £26 million to sign with Crystal Palace, yet he hasn’t yet been on the field.
The dynamic teenage striker joined Palace in a transfer that may have cost Brazilian team Flamengo up to £26 million.
Unfortunately for Hodgson, Franca’s medical revealed a stress fracture in his lower back, which has prevented him from playing for Palace yet.
According to a recent rumor from London News Online, Franca might be a part of Crystal Palace’s lineup when they play Newcastle at St. James’ Park.
Although Franca hasn’t played in a lot of top-tier football—he only made nine appearances for Flamengo in the Brazilian Serie A last season, scoring one goal—many scouts were taken notice of him by his performances.
Matheus Franca was named one of the top 50 wonderkids in international football on this year’s NXGN list, demonstrating how well respected he is. Franca was ranked as one of the best 50 young players in the world.
Hopefully, he doesn’t wind up haunting Eddie Howe on Saturday, making him regret letting another club get him.
