In a recent report, Lanca claimed that Newcastle United are among the clubs hoping to sign Flamengo starlet Matheus Franca. It has been revealed that the Magpies could face competition from Crystal Palace and Bayer 04 Leverkusen in pursuit of the Brazilian attacker.
Franca’s Excellent Rise In Brazilian Football
Franca has come through the youth ranks of Flamengo and has done well to establish himself as a first-team member for them over the past 12 months. The 19-year-old has already made 50 senior appearances for the Brazilian club so far, scoring nine goals across various competitions.
The talented playmaker has been a decent performer for the Brazilian club in the final third as he is averaging 2.2 shots, 1.0 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per 90 minutes in Brasileirao. However, he has to find a way to improve his ball distribution based on his pass success rate of 74% in the Brazilian first division (stats via whoscored).
His current deal at Flamengo is set to expire at the end of 2027. Hence, the Magpies will have to pay a big fee if they are serious about bringing him to St. James’ Park this summer.
Newcastle United Are Facing Stiff Competition For Franca: Is He A Star In The Making?
Franca is a technically gifted footballer who can set up some decent chances for others around him in the final third. He can strike the ball well from long range and is a great dribbler with the ball at his feet. Franca is primarily an attacking midfielder but can also fill in as a right-winger or play as a secondary striker alongside someone else up top if asked to do so.
However, the Brazilian whizkid is still quite raw and would need time to prove his worth at the highest level. He also has to figure out a way to improve his passing accuracy in the final third.
Still, there is no doubt that Franca is a star in the making based on his rapid rise at Flamengo. The Magpies would do well to snap him up in the summer.
Franca is good enough to become a future star at St. James Park if Eddie Howe can devise a way to bring him on board soon.
