Gabriel Jesus’s £27m move to Manchester City is yet to be signed off because the final paperwork is not in place, although Pep Guardiola is hopeful of completing the transfer this week so the Brazil striker can be available for Sunday’s trip to Everton.
The initial £27m deal with Palmeiras for the 19-year-old was agreed in the previous window, with the move delayed until the end of the Brazilian season. While there is little suggestion the last-minute hitch could threaten the move, Guardiola is keen for it to be sealed before Friday’s deadline so that Jesus can be included for Everton.
Jesus has been training with the first-team squad since arriving in Manchester a fortnight ago. If the requisite paperwork is filed in time, Guardiola will then have to decide if he is fit enough to be in the squad for the Premier League meeting with Ronald Koeman’s side.
Jesus, who can operate as a No9 or wide forward, is in only the second season of his professional career having made his debut last year for Palmeiras. He won a first national championship with the São Paulo club in November, having claimed a gold medal with Brazil in the summer at Rio 2016 – the first time the five-times World Cup-winners have been Olympic champions.
Jesus made his senior international debut in September and has four goals in six appearances for Tite’s side. If Sunday’s game proves too soon for him, Jesus could make his debut in Tottenham Hotspur’s visit to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday week.
