Manchester United and Chelsea face a transfer battle for the next up-and-coming wonderkid after his impressive performances for Brazil Under-17s at the World Cup
Manchester United are reportedly setting their sights on one of Brazil’s most exciting defenders, Luis Eduardo. The 17-year-old wonderkid has caught the eye of several top clubs around Europe after the Under-17 World Cup last month.
Eduardo was in action for Brazil in Qatar and was one of the players heavily scouted across the tournament. The South American nation finished fourth in the World Cup, losing on penalties in the semi-final to Portugal.
Spanish outlet AS has claimed that Eduardo’s performances have seen him emerge as one of the standout players. The Brazil captain’s electric pace has put clubs, including United, on red alert.
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The report claims that Eduardo reached 38 km/h for Gremio U20 earlier this year. AS reports that both United and Chelsea have ‘already done their homework and are trying to accelerate their pursuit’.
Furthermore, it’s reported that both teams have already begun negotiations with Gremio during the Under-17 World Cup, and offers are expected in the coming weeks. However, there could be a hefty price tag to pay.
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In the summer, the centre-back signed a new contract with the Brazilian side that runs until 2028. As part of the extension, a £53million release clause was inserted, a fee for which it is not yet known whether United would be willing to propose.
United have emphasised signing wonderkids with an eye on developing them and using them in the first team. In previous years, the Reds have bought Chido Obi, Sekou Kone and Diego Leon in a bid to bolster their next generation of talent.
Ruben Amorim has also earned plaudits for the trust he places in his younger players. 15-year-old JJ Gabriel has already been invited to train with the first team, with the wonderkid making the headlines over the weekend.
The midfielder scored three goals in a 7-0 win over Liverpool for the Under-18s with silky footwork, dribbling and finishing wowing figures at the football club. Gabriel has been involved in first-team training in recent weeks, with speculation over his senior debut growing by the week.
Gabriel has the potential to become United’s youngest-ever Premier League player. Angel Gomes (16 years, 263 days), Shola Shoretire (17 years, 19 days) and Chido Obi (17 years, 79 days) are the youngest players to make an appearance for United in the Premier League.
He could even topple the Premier League record held by Ethan Nwaneri (15 years, 181 days). Max Dowman (15 years, 235 days) is the second youngest. The teenager turns 16 next October.
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