Brazil’s hot prospect Gabriel Jesus has signed for Manchester City from Palmeiras for a princely sum of £27 million. Pep Guardiola has denied his former club Barcelona who were also interested in the winger, with Gabriel Jesus set to play for Manchester City from January 2017, as he will remain with Palmeiras until December 2016. The winger has signed a 5 year contract until the end of the 2020/21 season.
Manchester City made the announcement on their official Twitter channel:
Signing Gabriel Jesus for such a large sum is in line with Pep Guardiola’s recent buys, with Leroy Sane also previously having joined for £37 million. Jesus becomes City’s 5th major signing of the season, as he joins Ilkay Gundogan, Leroy Sane, Nolito and Olexandr Zinchenko also joining the Sky Blues as Pep Guardiola revamps his side.
Gabriel Jesus outlined his pleasure at joining City, saying “Manchester City is one of the best clubs in the world so I'm really pleased to sign.We have many great talents in the team and a fantastic manager in Pep Guardiola that I can learn so much from. I'm looking forward to showing the City fans what I can do and I think we'll have a great future together!”
City director Txiki Begiristain said, “We are delighted that Gabriel has chosen to join us. He is one of the most exciting young prospects in world football and plays the game in a spectacular way. We look forward to him making a big impact at Manchester City in January.”
Here is Manchester City’s statement, released on their official website :
Manchester City are delighted to announce the signing of Gabriel Jesus from Palmeiras
Gabriel Jesus is recognised as one of South America’s most exciting talents and he was named “best newcomer” in the 2015 Serie A Campeonato.
The 19-year old has signed for Manchester City FC despite strong interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world. He will join the team in January 2017, with a contract that runs until the end of the 2020/21 season. He will remain at Palmeiras until December 2016.
Jesus is a versatile forward who can play anywhere across the front three – he possesses a low centre of gravity, an explosive turn of pace and fleet tricky feet making him a master of one-on-one situations as well as perfectly cast in the mould of the quintessential Brazilian striker.
