Crystal Palace complete the signing of young Brazilian midfielder Matheus Franca from Flamengo for £26m

Crystal Palace have secured the signing of Brazilian youngster Matheus Franca from Flamengo for £26million.

As reported by the club’s official website, the 19-year-old has signed a five year deal with Palace.

An exciting prospect, Franca is usually deployed as an attacking midfielder and is known for his flair and high work-rate.

France expressed his delight after completing his move. He told the club’s official website: ‘I’m very happy to be here. I hope I can bring good results for our supporters, for the other players and everybody else in the team.

‘I’m very excited for my first game here at my new home, giving my best for my new team. I hope all the supporters are happy with me coming here. I bet it is going to be good for all of us.’

Palace chairman Steve Parish said: ‘Matheus is a young and exciting player whose impressive early progress we have followed with keen interest, and we are delighted to welcome him to the club.

‘Palace have a long history of attacking players with skill, pace, and tenacity, and I am sure Matheus will be another popular addition to the nucleus of this young and entertaining squad, packed full of international talent and potential, that we are building here in south London.’

A Brazil Under-20 international, Franca won the Copa Libertadores and the Copa do Brasil with Flamengo.

During his time at the Brazilian club he scored nine goals in 54 senior appearances.

In addition to Franca, Roy Hodgson’s Palace have also signed Jefferson Lerma this summer, with the midfielder arriving on a free transfer after leaving Bournemouth. 

A Brazil Under-20 international, Franca impressed during his time at Flamengo

Franca is the second addition to Roy Hodgson’s squad this summer after Jefferson Lerma