The next sensation to come out of Brazil looks increasingly likely to be Atletico Mineiro whizkid Gabriel Veneno, with Manchester United now accelerating in talks.
Ineos haven’t been shy about a desire to sign talented youth players from around the world, and now Manchester United are plotting the most ambitious South American pick-up to date.
Already, United have signed Diego Leon from Paraguay, while this coming summer Cristian Orozco arrives from Colombia in a deal expected to cost just £750,000.
Next on the recruitment plan, United have been linked with Robinho Jr from Santos, but now it’s another Brazilian, Gabriel Veneno, who has been attracting interest.
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Manchester United moving forward to sign Gabriel Veneno
16-year-old Gabriel Veneno is a player of interest for United and most of Europe thanks to his record breaking goal scoring in Brazilian youth leagues.
Now, there has been an acceleration.

It has come through TEAMtalk that United have now quietly accelerated the background work to sign Veneno.
One of South America’s most talked about talents, Veneno is being watched closely by several Premier League giants, with the label ‘generational’ being attributed to the 16-year-old.
United are looking to position themselves in the race for his signature with detailed reports being formed, ahead of what would be a summer 2027 signing if successful.
There is competition from Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, Paris Saint-Germain, Monaco, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City. But United are firmly in the race.
Mineiro have tied him down until 2028 with a bumper contract, but he turns 18 in July 2027 and therefore a pre-agreement will likely be reached with his chosen club. Hopefully it is United.
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Gabriel Veneno could be the next Vinicius Junior
He might only be 16, but Veneno is showing all the signs of being Brazil’s next elite youngster. His youth scoring record of 80-goals in a calendar year is a historic high benchmark that alerted Europe’s elite.
Veneno is a standout talent not only for his goals record, but his physical maturity and ability to dominate from the wing make him a standout.
The winger has explosive speed and the dribbling of Neymar which makes him a trademark Brazilian breakout, while he is following in Vinicius Junior’s footsteps physically and with his potential development.
This is the kind of signing we have been hoping United would make, now hopefully the Red Devils can make it happen as it’s a very exciting possibility.
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