As many football players in concentrate on the Euro 2016 and Copa America Centenario, many managers have started to identify their potential transfer targets.
One particular player who stands out in the list of most-sought-after talents in football is Brazil’s Gabriel Jesus. The 19-year-old has attracted the interest of Premier League giants Manchester City who are keen on signing him for 19 million pounds. But why would the Citizens spend such a huge amount of money on a less-popular teenager? Well, their neighbours Man United spent even more to lure the little-known Anthony Martial from Monaco, and the Frenchman became the club’s top scorer in the 2015/16 season.
Gabriel Jesus may not necessarily make it to the first team at Etihad Stadium immediately if he is signed by Pep Guardiola, but his record proves exactly why the Spanish tactician wants to bring him to England.
Personal details
Gabriel Fernando de Jesus Mosqueda was born on April 3, 1997 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He plays as a forward for Brazilian giants Palmeiras.
Footballing career
The rising star joined Palmeiras in July 2013 and scored 54 goals in 48 matches. His best performance for Verdao was in 2014 when he scored 37 goals in 22 appearances in the under 17 championship, hence attracting interest from different local and international clubs.
In 2015, he made his senior debut for his club and then made eight appearances as a substitute. He scored his first league goal for the senior team against Agremiacao Sportiva Arapiraquense and finished the season with four league goals from 20 games.
In 2016, he scored a total of 13 goals in 23 appearances. His excellent performance at the club level then earned him a call-up in coach Dunga’s squad for the Copa America Centenario to replace the injured Douglas Costa, but missed out due to lack of a U.S. Visa.
Dubbed the 'Palmeiras' Neymar,' Gabriel Jesus celebrates one of his goals for the Brazilian giants
Pep Guardiola is said to be a long-time admirer of the winger thanks to his lightning pace, dribbling skills and composure behind the ball. Brazilian legend Ronaldo once described the youngster as one of future stars of Brazilian football. He said:
“I’m betting on two talents, they’re still developing but have a lot of quality. Gabriel Barbosa of Santos and Gabriel Jesus of Palmeiras are very young talents and haven’t even turned 20."
Brazil U17 coach Bruno Petri also added:
“He will become a major player in Brazilian football, and also the Selecao, if they have patience,
“He is a boy who is easy to speak with and work with and who is different to the others in the question of training, always giving more than 100 per cent.”
The Citizens are expected to make a move for the young talent before the end of the summer transfer window, having already acquired the services of former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.
