Crystal Palace are looking at one of Brazil’s hottest prospects, and have been handed a huge boost in the chances of this happening.
In the 2023 summer transfer window, Crystal Palace secured the signing of Matheus Franca, a move which has worked out to be underwhelming to date due to a mixture of injuries and lack of chances
Franca was one of Brazil’s most exciting talents and the Eagles will be hopeful that eventually he’ll come good.
Fast forward to this summer and amid all the players being linked with joining Palace to strengthen Oliver Glasner’s squad, there is actually another talented youngster from Brazil who has been linked.
In Dougie Freedman’s pursuit of this Kylian Mbappe-likened forward, there has now been a potential boost after what West Ham has just done.
West Ham have opened the door for Crystal Palace to sign Wesley Gassova
West Ham made a seriously impressive swoop to sign Luis Guilherme this summer with the 18-year-old one of Brazil’s finest teenagers right now.
The Hammers signed him for £25m in what could turn out to be a bargain for Julen Lopetegui’s side.
But before they made the move to sign Guilherme, there was another Brazilian West Ham were in for only to be rejected. The Hammers made a few offers for Corinthians’ youngster Wesley Gassova with a bid of £15.2m being as high as they went. They withdrew from the race due to Corinthians demanding £21.1m -£25.3m.
Corinthians demanded this as they expected a bid in this region to arrive from Bayern Munich, although it never did.
Now according to journalist Jorge Nicola, it seems that Corinthians could regret turning down £15.2m for Wesley. But now as the Brazilian club needs money, Palace could enter negotiations under favourable terms and make good on interest shown last month.
His departure is expected with the manager Antonio Oliveira admitting that. So if Palace want to make this signing, it could be a fairly straightforward deal to arrange.
Wesley Gassova should be high on Crystal Palace’s list
Signing Gassova would show faith in recruiting from Brazil despite Franca yet to show why the Eagles dropped £26m on him last summer, with just one assist to show for his debut campaign.
Gassova made 31 appearances in 2024 thus far and has scored five goals while adding three assists – in all competitions a figure which should rise thanks to his quality ball striking.
The Brazilian teenager is an impressive talent and has been compared with Mbappe by analyst Ben Mattinson, and it’s clear to see why as the 19-year-old is capable of beating his defender with ease.
It’d be a very exciting move for Palace to complete should the club wish to take the chance on another South American talent. If we had to choose, we’d say he’s absolutely worth signing.
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