‘I desire to compete with the best in the world’ – Palmeiras star names Manchester City as potential destination in Europe

Palmeiras star Raphael Veiga is reportedly keen on a move to European football, with Manchester City named as one possible destination in future.

The 28-year-old is under contract with the Brazilian giants until the summer of 2026, but has long been rumoured with a move to Europe after some stellar performances in which he racked up 18 goals and 16 assists last season.

Manchester City have found joy dipping into the South American market in recent seasons, bringing Julian Alvarez from River Plate before the striker made himself a key member of Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad and the Argentina national team.

Speaking during a recent interview with AS, translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Raphael Veiga revealed his desire to make a big move to European football. “I have the desire to play in Europe, but I’m also very happy to play for Palmeiras,” he said.

“I think any player has the dream of playing in the Old Continent (Europe) to compete with the best players in the world, to participate in the big championships, me too.

“I like a lot of teams in Europe. Barcelona, [Real] Madrid, [Manchester] City, Arsenal and others like Manchester United.

“It’s difficult to say just one. There are impressive teams and they all have something special and interesting.”

Raphael Veiga was strongly linked to Barcelona in the summer of 2023 as a back-up option to Manchester City’s midfield star Bernardo Silva, but the Catalan club failed to pull the trigger on either option.

The Etihad Stadium outfit could be looking at major overhaul of their attacking options this summer having recently agreed a deal with Girona starlet Savio, while also being strongly linked with a move for West Ham attacker Lucas Paqueta.

As Kevin De Bruyne’s age becomes more of a factor in the coming years, and Bernardo Silva continues to get linked with moves away from Manchester City, Erling Haaland and Phil Foden’s running mates could begin to look less familiar in the coming months.