By Matheus Trunk
The attacker Yuri Alvesjust 19 years oldwas being played by two major Brazilian football clubs. The young man was one of the highlights of the Atlético Goianiense in the last Brazilian Series B Championship, drawing attention for his aggressive style. His promising dribbling and finishing made him one of the most promising athletes in the access division. The proposals made by the two teams are different. But Palmeiras does not want to be involved in an auction. And, for now, he gave up on the negotiation.
Initially, Palmeiras proposed a loan at no cost, with an option to purchase after the end of the agreement. The striker would be integrated into the under-20 team, being used in the professional squad as well. The deal would be similar to what the São Paulo club did with midfielder Larson, 20, who belongs to Goiás. He started in Palmeiras’ youth division and is already being selected in Abel Ferreira’s team. The model is the same for Yuri.
But Botafogo went through the deal. John Textor’s club offered a higher price to own 50% of the boy’s economic rights. President Leila Pereira has always been against bidding for reinforcements at auction. That way, Atlético Goianiense and Botafogo must reach a definitive agreement.
Good ball boy
Created by the base of the team from Goiás, Yuri Alves drew attention even when he played in the lower divisions of Dragão. The strong kick has been his trademark since he played in the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior. Initially, he played as a midfielder, but ended up being taken to attack as a professional.
His debut was at the State Championship, but he ended up having more chances in the national division with coach Rafael Lacerda. The coach likes to give young people chances. Yuri made 18 appearances for Atlético in Serie Bbecoming the second player in the squad with the most dribbles and the third with the most shots in the competition. He scored a goal in the classic against Vila Nova and became popular with the fans.
Remember Neymar?
After the victory against Avaí, in September, the president of Atlético Goianiense, Adson Batistaeven compared Yuri to Neymar. An exaggeration. “When I see Yuri playing with this courage, personality, with this technique, speed and power, he has a lot of power to hit the ball, I will give him a standing ovation.”
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