Manchester City sign Brazilian winger Allan Elias for £32m as summer spending tops £250m

Manchester City have signed Brazilian winger Allan Elias from Palmeiras for an initial £32m, with a further £2m available in add-ons, pushing the club’s total summer spending beyond £250m.

The 22-year-old, who made 96 appearances for Palmeiras, has signed a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium. He is one of the replacements for Savinho and Omar Marmoush, who have both departed for Tottenham in deals that could earn City up to £145m combined.

Allan described the move as a landmark moment in his career. “This is a surreal moment for me,” he said. “Manchester City, with everything they have won over the past 15 years, are one of the most attractive clubs in the world for players. To be able to sit here today and say I have joined them is the proudest moment of my life.”

The uncapped Brazilian added that ambition drove his decision to leave a club he holds dear. “I love Palmeiras and always will — but the decision to come to City was an easy one. I want to be the best footballer I can be and the conversations I’ve had with the people at City so far has convinced me there isn’t a better place for me to fulfil my ambitions.”

City director of football Hugo Viana pointed to Allan’s mentality as a key factor in the signing. “He has shown throughout his short career so far that he will fight to be the best he can be,” Viana said. “We watched his progress in Brazil and saw a player that thrives in the big moments and works hard for the team with a superb attitude.”

Allan will link up at the Etihad with former Palmeiras teammate Vitor Reis, who had already made the move to City and messaged him during his deliberations.

Allan may not be the last winger through the door before the transfer window closes. City are also reported to be interested in Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye as they seek further attacking reinforcements, while a potential bid for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez is also under consideration in what has been a hectic final stretch of the summer window.