Manchester City announced the signing of Brazilian teen sensation, Gabriel Jesus, from Palmeiras on Wednesday on a five-year deal for £27 million plus £4 million in add-ons, making him the highest-ever paid teenager in England.
He is Pep Guardiola’s sixth signing of the summer, and will join his new teammates in January when the season in Brazil comes to a conclusion.
The 19-year-old forward is currently the top scorer in Brazilian league with ten goals in 14 matches and has five MOTM awards. Barcelona wanted him and hoped to land the “new Neymar”, but Manchester City boss Guardiola personally phoned the youngster and convinced him to come to Etihad.
With some of the most exciting prospects in Europe already in his squad, Pep was delighted to add another player who will be a big part of his plans in future.
Gabriel Jesus could learn a lot from Sergio Aguero, and the Spanish manager is looking forward working with him and contributing to his development.
What to expect from Gabriel Jesus?
Gabriel’s natural position is the centre forward, and he also could successfully play as AML or AMR, but Guardiola already has plenty of wingers in the team so it’s expected to see the Brazilian leading the attack.
He will compete with Bony and Iheanacho for a backup role at first, but his potential is enormous, and it’s only a matter of time when he’ll establish his place in Manchester City’s first eleven.
He will probably get the game time in cup competitions from the onset; he’ll be given enough time to adapt to life in England, get accustomed to the playing style, and gain some much needed fitness before seriously enter into Guardiola’s plans.
The former Bayern coach is smart and experienced regarding the development of young talents. He will be patient with his progress, making him slowly into a world-class striker.
Gabriel can offer a lot. He is already a key player in very reputable Palmeiras side, and although he didn’t appear for the senior national team – that will come very soon at City. For now, Gabriel will play at the Olympics, alongside Neymar.
The kid is phenomenal; his finishing is clinical, passing is splendid, and he is also quite responsible at the back which is not common for young forwards these days.
The Premier League and Brazilian championship are two entirely different competitions, and there aren’t many Brazilians who can say they had their best days playing in England (take Robinho as an example), and the first couple of years will be critical for him.
Hence, the patience is a must for Manchester City fans and a few years from now they will have a brand new Aguero to lead them to glory. Under Guardiola’s guidance, it would be surprising if it doesn’t happen.
