Palmeiras’ Unstoppable Talent Factory and 100M€ Release Clause

Endrick went to Real Madrid for 47,500,000 euros, and Estevao to Chelsea for 34,000,000. 

However, Palmeiras’ football jewelry factory did not stop production, but instead displayed a new piece in the center of its luxurious showcase – 17-year-old João Gabriel.

Gabriel could become the most expensive football player in Palmeiras’ history. 

At least that’s how those in charge estimated him. That’s why a much higher buyout clause was inserted into his contract than both Endrik and Estevao had – an unreal 100,000,000 euros! 

To ensure that someone doesn’t take him to Europe for less than his price…

Gabriel has not yet had a chance in the Brazilian Serie A, but we have watched him in other competitions. 

As a 16-year-old, he made his debut for Palmeiras’ A team in the Copa Brasil, playing two matches there, and he also made a few appearances in the Paulista state championship.

This summer, Gabriel exploded in the youth categories, scoring eight goals in the last five matches in the youth championship. 

He is now the top scorer in the youth league. 

This was a sign to the coaching staff that they had to react and definitely introduce him to senior football.

João Gabriel is not a classic center forward, but plays as an attacking midfielder or a half-forward. Because of this, his performance is even more impressive.

We will see how long it will take him to get a chance in the Brazilian championship. 

There, Palmeiras is fighting for the title, they are two points behind the leader, Flamengo, but they have also played one match less. In the Copa Libertadores, they are also doing great and will play against LDU Quito in the semifinals.

Spanish champion Barcelona is looking for a left-footed stopper, and sports director Deco (48) believes that 19-year-old Brazilian Luiz Gustavo Benedetti could solve their concerns. 

The need for a left-footed stopper arose after Barca lost Iñigo Martinez (34), who moved as a free agent to Saudi Al-Nassr, for which Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo Brozovic play, in mid-August.

Benedetti made only nine appearances for Palmeiras’ first team, but that was enough to get him noticed by European scouts. 

The contract with Palmeiras binds him until the end of 2029, and Spanish media claim that Barca is ready to pay 12 million euros in compensation for him.

But Barcelona is not the only club following Benedetti, Arsenal and Napoli are also in the game.

Abel Ferreira has been doing an excellent job for years. He won two consecutive Brazileira trophies with Palmeiras, and his team plays with a great deal of confidence, which pleases its fans with easy victories in “small” games. 

However, that confidence is building up, and in the quarter finals of the Copa Libertadores, they were better than Argentina’s River Plate.

After winning the first leg 2-1 away, Palmeiras players won 3-1 in front of their home fans in Sao Paulo, and advanced to the semifinals with a 5-2 aggregate score. Palmeiras reached its fifth semifinal in the last six seasons, winning twice (2020, 2021).

Read more at La Liga and Other Leagues.