Who is Gustavo Nunes? Man United and Man City 'target' named 'next Neymar' with £80m release clause

The latest Manchester United transfer news as the club have reportedly sent scouts to watch the teenager in action ahead of the summer transfer window

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Sport

Amie Wilson

17:30, 18 APR 2024

Gustavo Nunes and Felipe Loyola compete for the ball during the Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2024 group C match between Gremio and Huachipato. (Image: Pedro H. Tesch/Getty Images)

With the season quickly coming to an end, work behind the scenes will be going on in preparation for the upcoming summer transfer window.

Both Manchester United and Manchester City could again be active as they look to strengthen their squads for the 2024/25 season. And it seems that the clubs’ scouts could be looking in similar places. According to the Daily Mail, United have sent scouts over to Brazil to keep tabs on the progress of Gustavo Nunes.

Only last week, reports in Brazil, via the Sun claimed that City were ahead of their rivals in the race for the same player. It was added that the club will ‘submit an £18 million offer’ for Nunes as soon as the transfer window opens.

Other Premier League clubs have also been linked in what could be a hotly contested race for the rising star. So why is there so much reported interest in the player? Here is everything you need to know about the latest name to be linked with a move to either United or City.

Who is Gustavo Nunes?

Gustavo Nunes, also known as Gustavinho, is an 18-year-old left winger who currently plays for Brazilian side Gremio. He has been with the club for all of his career and made the step up to the first team in February.

He was originally known as Gustavo Gomes, but changed his name to Nunes, the family name of his mother, following her death when he was just 16 years old. The player has himself revealed that he did think about giving up football following his mother’s death, but decided to continue for her.

How has he done this season?

As previously mentioned, he only made his first team debut back in February but has certainly made an impression in that time. In his 13 first-team appearances he has scored once and provided two assists.

His performances in cup competitions have led to him being used in the league, with the teenager featuring in the last two Brazilian Serie A games. He has recently signed a new contract with the club which runs until 2028, it is reported in Brazil that the contract contains an £80 million release clause.

Who else has been linked?

The Sun reports that as well as both United and City, Arsenal and Liverpool are in a ‘bidding war’ for the youngster. The reports add that both Wolves and Norwich City are also keeping a close eye on the player, something that suggests that there could be a number of clubs interested when the summer window opens.

What is his style of play?

Having started his career by playing futsal, it’s no surprise that his close control and dribbling skills are some of his standout strengths. Despite his young age, the winger is said to not look out of place playing first-team football and is able to stand up to the physicality.

He has been compared to compatriot Neymar, with the teenager tagging his idol in a recent Instagram post after copying his celebration.

Nunes’ former youth coach Matheus Cassita gave more of an insight into his style of play: “Speed has always been his strong point,” he told GZH. “But he really liked space, being forward and needing to adapt to the short space of futsal. It is really pleasing to see him become a professional now.”