The summer transfer window hasn’t even fully opened yet, but the fireworks have already begun. In a stunning twist that has caught many Premier League fans off guard, Manchester City has reportedly launched a $50 million bid for a highly-rated Brazilian star — a player long believed to be at the top of Manchester United’s transfer wishlist.
But it’s not just the bid that has shocked insiders — it’s the sudden appearance of Hugo Viana, the Sporting Director of Portuguese giants Sporting CP, who is now allegedly brokering a deal that could see the Brazilian talent move to the Etihad rather than Old Trafford.
As transfer sagas go, this one has everything: money, rivalry, betrayal, and the elite power moves that define modern football’s off-pitch drama.
Who Is the Brazilian Star in Question?
Although no official confirmation has been made, multiple reputable sources suggest the player in question is Estevão Willian, the 17-year-old Palmeiras sensation dubbed “Messinho” due to his Messi-like footwork and incredible flair.
Having already attracted interest from the likes of Barcelona, PSG, and Chelsea, Estevão has been on United’s radar for months. Erik ten Hag was reportedly pushing hard for the deal, viewing the Brazilian as a long-term investment capable of transforming United’s attacking depth for years to come.
However, City’s late but decisive move — rumored to be fronted and facilitated by Sporting CP executive Hugo Viana — appears to have disrupted United’s plans entirely.
Hugo Viana: The Unexpected Power Broker
For those unfamiliar with Hugo Viana, he is no ordinary director. A former Portuguese international turned savvy football executive, Viana has built a reputation for brokering complex, multi-party deals and operating with speed and discretion.
Though he operates out of Sporting CP, Viana has deep ties with agents and clubs across Europe, particularly within Manchester City’s City Football Group network. According to reports, he leveraged those relationships to accelerate City’s offer for Estevão — effectively jumping the queue ahead of United.
“Viana has played a blinder,” one insider told The Athletic. “While United were still working on the structure, City came in, matched the valuation, and offered a more aggressive development plan — all within 72 hours.”
Why Did City Move So Fast?
There are several possible reasons for City’s sudden shift in strategy:
- Future-Proofing the Attack
With Riyad Mahrez gone, Jack Grealish struggling with consistency, and Kevin De Bruyne not getting any younger, City needs to secure the next generation of creative forces. Estevão fits the mold: fast, creative, unpredictable.
- Post-Pep Planning
Though Pep Guardiola remains tight-lipped about his long-term plans, many believe his time at City is nearing its final phase. Bringing in prodigious talents now gives the club flexibility for the next managerial era.
- Outplaying United
City’s front office relishes outmaneuvering their rivals, especially United. Swooping in for a target deeply linked to Old Trafford is both a footballing and psychological win.
United Caught Off Guard
Manchester United’s fans and insiders are understandably furious. Reports suggest the Red Devils believed they were in the “advanced stages” of talks with Estevão’s camp, and had even arranged groundwork for a long-term European integration plan — likely involving a loan spell in Portugal or Spain until he turns 18.
However, it appears City offered not just more money, but a clearer path to first-team football, potentially through Girona (a City Group club in La Liga) or even direct integration with Pep’s squad.
This has left United scrambling to reassess their transfer strategy, with many pointing fingers at the slow decision-making that has plagued the club’s recruitment operations for years.
“This is Jadon Sancho all over again — but worse,” one fan posted on X. “The club is always a step behind.”
What Makes Estevão So Special?
At just 17, Estevão is already being heralded as the future of Brazilian football. His close control, vision, and explosive change of pace have earned comparisons to Ronaldinho, Neymar, and, yes, Lionel Messi.
Highlights of his performances in Brazil’s youth competitions show a player with extraordinary agility, flair, and the kind of creative genius that European clubs covet.
Some scouts describe him as a hybrid between Phil Foden and Neymar — a playmaker who can also drift wide and break lines with ease.
Crucially, Estevão is seen as mentally mature beyond his years — a key quality when transitioning to the brutal, high-pressure environment of top-level European football.
Financials: $50 Million for a Teenager?
Yes, $50 million is a staggering amount for a player not yet old enough to legally move abroad until 2025. But in the post-Bellingham, post-Endrick world of football economics, it’s a calculated risk.
City would likely structure the deal to include:
An initial fixed fee of around $30–35 million
Performance-related bonuses based on appearances and goals
Sell-on clauses benefiting Palmeiras
Given Estevão’s projected ceiling, that price could look like a bargain in three years.
What Happens Next?
The deal is not finalized yet — but multiple reports suggest City have agreed personal terms with Estevão’s representatives, and Palmeiras have given verbal approval pending final contract agreements.
United are unlikely to continue pursuing the player, as they feel undermined by how the negotiations have shifted behind their backs.
Barring any last-minute twists, Estevão will become a Manchester City player, though he will remain in Brazil until at least 2025 due to FIFA transfer regulations for minors.
Fan Reactions: Shock, Rage, and Banter
The online reaction has been electric.
🟦 City fans are celebrating the move as another example of their club’s elite-level strategy:
“This is how you build dynasties. We don’t wait. We strike.”
🔴 United fans are, understandably, less enthusiastic:
“We’ve been tracking him for a year and got hijacked in a week. Total failure from the board.”
🟩 Neutral observers are simply in awe of Estevão’s rise and the modern transfer market:
“Teenagers being sold for $50 million while still playing youth tournaments? Madness.”
Conclusion: City Mean Business
If there were any doubts that Manchester City intended to dominate football for the next decade — not just this one — they’ve just been erased.
The pursuit and likely capture of Estevão Willian showcases the club’s ruthless precision in the market, their willingness to invest in future talent, and their ability to sidestep their fiercest rivals without flinching.
For Manchester United, this is a bitter pill. For Hugo Viana, it’s another feather in his cap. And for Estevão? It’s the beginning of a journey that could soon light up the Etihad for years to come.
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