Football Presse

Manchester City, Chelsea and Bournemouth in three-way race for Cruzeiro teenager Eduardo Pape

·By Junior Yekini
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Manchester City, Chelsea and Bournemouth are all tracking Cruzeiro midfielder Eduardo Pape after the 17-year-old's performances for Brazil at the Under-17 South American Championship in Paraguay.

UOL is reporting offers of between €30 million and €40 million are already being anticipated.

Pape scored four goals in five matches at the tournament, finishing as one of the top scorers, with Brazil taking third place. His goals demonstrated variety — a long-range strike against Ecuador, a penalty against Venezuela, and two headers earlier in the competition. At 1.86 metres, his physical profile for a central midfielder adds to his appeal.

Robson Ramos, president of Pape's former club Azuriz — which retains 20 per cent of his economic rights — confirmed to UOL that multiple clubs made contact during the competition. "I was in Paraguay following the Under-17 South American Championship. I spoke with club staff. All showed interest and said they would assess his projection. I am expecting something, at least," he said.

Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Monaco and Villarreal are also credited with interest. Pape is contracted to Cruzeiro until December 2029 and has already made 12 appearances at senior level this season, contributing two goals and two assists. Cruzeiro are working to increase their ownership stake from 50 per cent to 75 per cent ahead of any negotiations to maximise their financial position.

No formal offer has yet been made by any club. Bournemouth have an existing relationship with Cruzeiro through the loan of winger Luis Sinisterra, giving them a direct line into the club that neither Manchester City nor Chelsea can currently match.