Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe may now have to spend a lot of money to sign Flamengo playmaker Matheus Franca.
After losing the Carabao Cup final 2-0 to Manchester United, Newcastle’s priority is unlikely to change.
Even though we’re outside the window right now, the transfer market is a daily occurrence.
Dan Ashworth will have a long list of targets for the summer window, and Franca could be one of them.
Flamengo has now confirmed that Franca has agreed to a new contract extension until December 2027.
Franca’s immediate future appears to be with Flamengo, but Newcastle aren’t out of the race yet.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the release clause in Franca’s new contract is around €200 million (£176 million).
Flamengo are unlikely to receive that kind of money, but it’s a nice deterrent for any clubs considering signing him.
During the January transfer window, Newcastle had an offer worth around €20 million rejected, according to Romano.
Newcastle will continue to monitor Franca in the hope of making a move for him in the future, according to Romano.
Franca, 18, has risen through the Flamengo ranks and is expected to follow Vinicius Junior to the top.
In 33 first-team appearances, the attacking midfielder has already scored seven goals.
Franca appears to be a real focus for Newcastle in the coming months and possibly years, with a huge future that will take him to Europe one day.
Staying in Brazil and honing his craft before moving to Europe appears to be the best option for Franca, but Newcastle will be watching with bated breath.
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