When Crystal Palace visits St James’ Park on Saturday, Newcastle United might face one of last year’s long-term targets.
Newcastle maintained a close eye on 19-year-old Brazilian wonderkid Matheus Franca for a long period, with numerous outlets speculating that an approach was imminent.
However, it never materialised, and the Magpies let Franca slide through their fingers, with Roy Hodgson signing him for Crystal Palace.
Franca joined Crystal Palace for £26 million, although he has yet to play.
The promising young attacker joined Palace in a move worth up to £26 million to Flamengo of Brazil.
Unfortunately for Hodgson, a stress fracture in Franca’s lower back was discovered during his medical, and he is yet to make his Palace debut.
According to London News Online, Franca could be named to Crystal Palace’s squad to face Newcastle at St James’ Park.
Franca hasn’t played a lot of top-flight football, only making nine appearances for Flamengo in the Brazilian Serie A last season and scoring one goal, but his efforts drew the attention of many scouts.
Matheus Franca was picked as one of the top 50 wonderkids in world football on this year’s NXGN list, demonstrating just how highly regarded he is.
Hopefully, he doesn’t end up haunting Eddie Howe on Saturday, making him regret letting another club steal him away.
Given the two side’s propensity to play out 0-0 draws we’re not too worried, but surely, SURELY there’s goals in this game this time.
Leave a Reply