As he opened up on those Manchester United links for the first time, this talented young centre-forward delivered some rather mixed news to the Premier League giants.
Yes, it is something of a career ambition of his to play in Europe at some point in the future. But a potential switch to the Premier League can wait, as far as Kaua Elias is concerned.
Manchester United are chasing some of the best young talent not only in European football but across the globe, with Ineos determined to make Old Trafford a central hub for the game’s next generation of superstars.
United’s scouting network runs all the way from England’s north east – see Sunderland’s Chris Rigg – to the depths of South America. River Plate winger Franco Mastantuono could yet follow Leny Yoro in choosing United over Real Madrid.
Kaua Elias, meanwhile, could soon become the latest baby-faced Brazilian to board a flight across the Atlantic.
Give Me Sport claim that there is interest not only from Man United in the £25 million-rated Fluminense hitman, but also Napoli, Bayer Leverkusen and Real Sociedad as well as Everton and Fulham closer to home.
Kaua Elias rules out Manchester United move in the near future
Fortunately for La Flu, Elias is an old head on young, 18-year-old shoulders.
There is enough loyalty in the teenager’s heart for him to overlook the promise of riches elsewhere. The only thought in Elias’ mind, right now, is keeping Fluminense in Brazil’s top-flight with only two points separating them from the relegation zone.
“Of course I want to stay at Fluminense,” Elias tells reporters. “I’m very grateful to the club for everything it has given me and continues to give me.
“It’s a huge club that I’ve always dreamed of playing for. And, the future, we don’t know what might happen. But I leave that in the hands of my agents, who I know are managing my career well.
“I really want to play in Europe. But, right now, I am focused on Fluminense. I’m focused on performing better, on helping the team get out of the relegation zone and get as high as possible in the table, whether that’s scoring or providing an assist.”
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey has already informed UnitedinFocus that Man United are looking to make greater use of the South American market from here on in. And Kaua Elias’ record speak for itself.
The striker has four goals in just two caps for Brazil at Under 17 level. And, already a regular in Fluminense’s senior squad, Elias has plundered five goals in two assists for a struggling side in 24 Brazilian Serie A appearances across 2024.
Fluminense starlet earns comparisons with Tottenham striker Richarlison
“Kaua Elias is a young player still developing,” Brazilian football expert and Vamo Futebol editor-in-chief, Rogerio Amaral Junior told UnitedinFocus recently.
“He has always been treated as a very promising striker in youth football, with the quality to become a big name. This year he is having his first full season in the pros. However, he had some episodes of indiscipline off the field, which made him lose some space.
“Since July, he has been used more and has had good performances. He is a striker who moves a lot and has speed and skill. But I believe that if he went to a big Premier League team right now, he would have a bit of difficulty.”
It may benefit Elias, then, to wait a little longer, as he is planning to do.
Amaral draws comparisons between Fluminense’s number 39 and a young Richarlison too, even if Elias has a little more trickery in his locker than a man who became a regular Premier League goalscorer at Everton before making a £60 million move to Tottenham Hotspur.
“Personally, I think his style of play is similar to that of Richarlison,” Amaral adds. “But I believe Kaua Elias has more skill.”
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
