Fiorentina edging closer to Matheus Jesus

Although the European transfer window closed nearly 2 months ago, leagues on other continents are still allowing teams to register new players—hence Hernan Toledo ditching Fiorentina for Lanus. Pantaleo Corvino has never been one to pass up an opportunity to sign a talented youngster, so now it looks like he’s working on a deal for Ponte Preta midfielder Matheus Jesus, who’s already drawn some comparisons to Paul Pogba.

Some of it is definitely the physique. Matheus Jesus stands 6’2 (about 187 cm), with the broad shoulders and lankiness that definitely recall the Manchester United midfielder. He’s also got a similar talent for outrageous touches all over the pitch; he loves to skate past a defender with his outstanding technique, whether he’s dropping between his own centerbacks or driving into the box. That eye for the spectacular extends to his shooting and passing, as he’s never met a volley or cross-field pass that he didn’t like.

Just 19 years old, this is his first season as a regular starter for Ponte Preta. His displays as one of a midfield two in the Macaca engine room have garnered quite a bit of interest around Europe: Borussia Dortmund and Atlético Madrid have also made inquiries. While he’s still rather raw, he’s got plenty of quality, as evidenced by his recent cap for the Brazil U20s. Expected to cost somewhere around €1 million + bonuses (which raises the specter of third-party ownership), expect to see a handful of European clubs trying to hammer out a deal that’ll send him across the Atlantic as soon as the summer mercato opens. For now, though, just enjoy watching the young man clown on defenders.