Five little-known stars who could be heading to Premier League after dazzling at the Club World Cup for Brazilian clubs

WITH all four of its clubs through to the second round, Brazil has been enjoying a highly successful Club World Cup.

This should not come as a complete surprise.

GettyPalmeiras star Estevao has impressed at the Club World Cup[/caption]

APNottingham Forest-bound Igor Jesus has also impressed in the tournament[/caption]

GettyColombian Jhon Arias is one to keep an eye on[/caption]

Having a tournament like this – with a chance to have a crack at the European giants – is a dream come true for Brazilian football.

Even so, one thing remains unaltered. The Brazilian game continues to lose its outstanding talents to Europe – and, increasingly, to the Premier League.

Estevao, the Palmeiras wonderkid, joins Chelsea after the tournament, and Igor Jesus, the excellent Botafogo centre forward, links up with Nottingham Forest.

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Gerson, the Flamengo midfielder who was so impressive in the win over Chelsea, appears on the verge of signing for Zenit in Russia – and there is a chance that one of his team-mates may also be on his way across the Atlantic.

Here are five more stars playing for Brazilian clubs at the Club World Cup who could be jetting to the Premier League before the window shuts.

Wesley – 21, Flamengo & Brazil

IT WAS a mistake by Wesley that allowed Chelsea to take the lead last Friday. But the young right back recovered well.

Otherwise, he was defensively sound and his quick forward bursts, both down the touchline and cutting infield, were a consistent part of his team’s attacking armoury.

The player, who turns 22 in September, made his breakthrough two years ago under Jorge Sampaoli, a coach who loves attacking full-backs.

Current boss Filipe Luis was a fine left-back in his playing days, and has helped improve the defensive side of his game.

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Wesley has forced his way into the Brazil squad, something which always increases the transfer value, and Flamengo expect to make a big sale in the summer window.

There is Premier League interest from Brighton and Chelsea, but there will be plenty of competition from other European giants.

Wallace Yan – 20, Flamengo & Brazil

ONE Flamengo player who has put himself in the shop window earlier than expected is striker Wallace Yan.

The club have been bringing the 20-year-old along gently, giving him experience as a late substitute – and now in the USA he has made a real impact, coming off the bench to score against Chelsea and Los Angeles.

A rangy figure who can attack from the right or through the middle, he has been running at defences with the nerveless sense of freedom of someone playing a kick-about in the park, and Wolves are said to be interested.

GettyWallace Yan celebrates after scoring against Chelsea[/caption]

With even the biggest Brazilian clubs selling their young stars, one of the ways that they have been becoming more competitive is to buy in from neighbouring countries.

In fact, Brazil now treats the rest of South America in the same way that Europe treats Brazil, picking up some of the best talent.

Alvaro Montoro – 18, Botafogo & Argentina

AN EXCELLENT recent example is that of Alvaro Montoro, an 18-year-old Argentine who has just been picked up by Botafogo.

The attacking midfielder came through the ranks at home with Velez Sarsfield.

His breakthrough came in this year’s group stages of the Copa Libertadores, South America’s Champions League.

His skill and strength of character were quickly apparent as he weighed in with three goals. Botafogo signed him on the eve of the Club World Cup.

They have been delighted by his displays in training – and even more with the substitute appearances he has been making during the competition, where he is looking entirely at home in high pressure situations. Great things are expected.

GettyBig things are expected of Botafogo star Alvaro Montoro[/caption]

Jhon Arias – 27, Fluminense & Colombia

ONE PLAYER who has been producing great things for a while is Colombia’s Jhon Arias, the star man in the Fluminense side.

He was not considered a big name in 2021 when he was still at home with Independiente Santa Fe. But Fluminense played against him, liked what they saw and picked him up for a bargain fee.

A squat little figure, for the Colombia national side he is often used as a disciplined member of a central midfield trio.

For Fluminense he is a right winger with freedom to roam. He combines well, turns and surges at the opposing defence and – and he showed against Ulsan of South Korea, he strikes a mean free-kick.

Arias was by far the best Fluminense player in the side that went down 4-0 to Manchester City in the Intercontinental final at the end of 2023.

He demonstrated that he could hold his own in such company, and it is surprising that major European clubs did not make a move.

Age is against him – he turns 28 in September, and the current market prefers teenagers. But he is so good – and versatile – that someone should surely take a chance.

Richard Rios – 25, Palmeiras & Colombia

ANOTHER Colombian international midfielder who has made his name in Brazil is Richard Rios of Palmeiras. His is a fascinating story.

Rios was a futsal player, representing his country in an international tournament in Rio.

Flamengo liked what they saw, and offered him an 11-a-side career.

After bouncing around between Brazil and Mexico, Palmeiras acquired him in 2023 and he has since become a fixture for club and country.

Rangy, classy, dynamic and competitive – sometimes too competitive – Rios had an excellent Copa America last year and is confirming the good impression in the current tournament.

He has just turned 25, and Palmeiras expect to make a sale in the summer window, with Manchester United believed to be among the interested parties.

GettyMan Utd are interested in signing Richard Rios Palmeiras[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]