The Jose Mourinho effect.
Reports in Brazil are claiming that Manchester United have overtaken their city rivals in the race for one of the country’s brightest prospects.
The Old Trafford outfit are said to have bid €35m for 19-year-old Gabriel Jesus, €3m more than what City have offered. And they’ve done this despite having a buyout option of €24m for the player.
Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG, and United all had that option but it looks like Mourinho and the club are so serious about bringing the attacker on board that they’ve waved that right.
Gabriel Jesus is the top scorer in the Brasileiro Série A this season having hit 10 goals in 14 league games already for league-leaders Palmeiras. The Brazilian underage international has also chipped in with four assists and, after a bit-part but promising breakthrough last year with the club, he has become the side’s main man in just his second season.
Initially, it was thought that Gabriel Jesus would have his pick between the five European clubs vying for his signature but then the player suddenly looked to be on his way to the Etihad to link up with Pep Guardiola.
Pep Guardiola called Gabriel Jésus earlier this week to talk about Man City, but Palmeiras coach Cuca insists he'll stay until end of year
— Jack Lang (@jacklang) July 23, 2016
According to Globo, City’s interest has inflated the value for the teenager but only Paris Saint Germain have lost interest as a result.
“Rivals Manchester [United] seem to be the main contenders in the race,” the report reads.
Jesus, who just turned 19 in April, is contracted with Palmeiras until December 2019 and, with the club in the middle of the season and fighting for the title, they’d be reluctant to let him go until at least the January transfer window.
One thing’s for sure though, Mourinho doesn’t want to be beaten by Guardiola to this man.
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