Crystal Palace are emerging as frontrunners in the race to sign Flamengo striker Wallace Yan, though the highly rated youngster is attracting serious interest from across Europe, TEAMtalk understands.
The 20-year-old has quickly established himself as one of the brightest prospects in Brazilian football, with his combination of pace, flair, and eye for goal drawing attention from scouts on both sides of the Atlantic.
Yan has enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2025, contributing eight goals and four assists in 31 matches for Flamengo. His ability to change games with either goals, creativity, or relentless pressing has made him a key figure in their attack. Unsurprisingly, clubs from Portugal, Germany, and the Premier League are monitoring his progress closely, with Benfica, Porto, and several Bundesliga sides joining Palace on the list of admirers.
For Palace, the pursuit of Yan reflects a wider push to tap into South America’s talent pool. Manager Oliver Glasner has overseen a more aggressive recruitment strategy, seeking to identify rising stars before Europe’s elite make their move. Signing Yan would fit neatly into this vision, providing the Eagles with an injection of dynamism in attack.
The forward is contracted to Flamengo until 2027, but with his current deal entering its critical final stretch, the Brazilian giants could soon be forced into a decision—either offer fresh terms or entertain lucrative bids. A transfer battle in the summer of 2026 is expected, with interested clubs already positioning themselves ahead of time.
Yan’s rapid ascent has been remarkable. Since joining Flamengo in 2022 as an U20 prospect, he has climbed through the ranks, starring as top scorer in the U20 Copa Libertadores in 2024 before making his senior debut later that year. Despite starting only three league games in Brazil’s Serie A so far, he has already delivered seven goals and four assists, underlining his efficiency.
Flamengo coach Filipe Luís, the former Chelsea and Atlético Madrid full-back, has tipped Yan for a central striker role but praises his versatility across the front line. Comfortable on both feet and blessed with sharp movement, he poses a constant threat to defenders.
Yan’s progress is even more impressive considering the setback he endured in 2021, when a serious leg break while playing for Ferroviária threatened to derail his career before it had begun. Now, just a few years later, he is being linked with a move to Europe’s top leagues.
Comparisons with Brazilian legends are inevitable, though whether he can match the heights of his idol Ronaldinho remains to be seen. For now, Wallace Yan is writing his own story—and European clubs, with Palace leading the way, are watching closely.