According to a report from Brazilian outlet Uol De Primeira, via Sport Witness, Man City are allegedly set to announce Gremio starlet Diego Rosa as their third summer signing once the move is made ‘official‘ by both clubs – a deal which could rise to €22.5 million (£20.2 million).
Despite only paying an initial £4.5 million to the Brazilian club, fees could escalate to £20.2m through transfer bonuses alone – of which there are an eye-opening 14 in total.
Could Diego Rosa become a future City star?
Yes, along with Couto, the future of Brazil
Needs to prove himself first...
These clauses, if all activated, could bolster Gremio’s sale exponentially – with the bonuses including making his debut in the Premier League, individual prizes like player awards and actual honours won whilst at the Etihad Stadium.
The plethora of other add-ons haven’t been detailed, but this bumper contract could represent a significant investment on City’s part – especially due to the fact Rosa is yet to make his senior debut for Gremio.
Bang for our buck?
The 17-year-old is a former teammate of fellow City acquisition Yan Couto, with the pair looking like real prospects for Brazil following their Under-17 World Cup-winning triumph this summer.
Couto chose City over Barcelona due to the help of Pep Guardiola’s influence, and now Rosa could be following suit.
The midfielder will not be thrust straight into our youth sides, however, with the Manchester Evening News reporting last month he will be sent out on loan to prove he should be considered as an option for us in future years.
Our scouting strategy has seemingly prioritised young up-and-comers from South America in recent years, with City now planning for the future again with the alleged signing of another promising starlet.
City’s youth recruitment has been hit or miss in that time, though, with out-of-favour prodigy Marlos Moreno looking set to sign for Belgian CFG-owned side SK Lommel.
The final verdict…
Txiki Begiristain and co clearly rate Rosa very highly if they’re willing to shell out 14 add-ons to secure his signature, but whether or not he will become a future star for us remains to be seen.
Our most recent Brazilian midfield youngster, Douglas Luiz, left for Aston Villa in a £15 million deal – but the fact we could sign Rosa for even more than that shows we must at least increase his resale value.