In recent times, Palmeiras has enjoyed substantial financial gains from the high-profile departures of players such as Endrick to Real Madrid, Estêvão to Chelsea, Vitor Reis to Manchester City, and Luis Guilherme to Sporting CP. Now, they can also add winger Allan Elias to this list, as he is poised to move to Manchester City for €40 million (€37.5 million upfront and €2.5 million in potential add-ons).
This transaction stands out for a particular reason: unlike previous transfers involving players who left Brazil at the typical age of 18, Allan is 22, classifying him as somewhat of a late bloomer by Brazilian standards. This deal represents a different type of acquisition, focusing on a player whose strengths lie not only in potential but also in versatility.
Hailing from southern Brazil, with his initial club, Série C team Figueirense, set to receive 10% of the transfer fee, Allan has exhibited remarkable resilience throughout his life. He faced significant challenges, such as the tragic loss of his sister Leticia during the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating death of his best friend Vitor Isaias in a fire at Flamengo’s facilities in 2019.
That year marked Allan’s arrival at Palmeiras. However, it wasn’t until early last year, as he neared his 21st birthday, that he earned his first-team opportunity, largely due to the depth of the squad.
Palmeiras is regarded as one of the leading teams in South America, currently leading the Brazilian league and competing in the quarterfinals of both the domestic cup and the Copa Libertadores, contending for dominance alongside Flamengo of Rio de Janeiro. As a left-footed winger playing on the right flank, Allan found himself competing for playing time against the highly touted young talent Estêvão.
Allan’s breakthrough came just before Estêvão’s departure to Chelsea for €34 million (with an additional €23 million in add-ons) in August 2025. He unexpectedly started in key matches during last summer’s FIFA Club World Cup, which held great significance for Palmeiras, who reached the quarterfinals only to lose 2-1 to the eventual champions, Chelsea.
Coach Abel Ferreira’s strategy was clear: the matches were expected to be closely contested, prompting him to position Allan on the right flank to maintain defensive stability while allowing Estêvão the freedom to lead the attack.
As Ferreira noted following a 4-1 win over Vasco da Gama, it is Allan’s versatility that makes him a sought-after player. “These teams want players like Allan because he brings something unique to the table: he can attack and defend down the flank for a full 90 minutes,” he stated. “That’s why whoever wishes to sign Allan will have to pay a premium.”
Allan possesses exceptional dribbling skills characteristic of Brazilian wingers, but he offers much more.
Although primarily featuring as a right winger since ascending to the first team, Allan frequently played as a No. 10 (an attacking midfielder) in his youth career,” remarked Rogério Ferreira, former head of the Palmeiras academy, in an interview with ESPN’s Sam Tighe. “He can effortlessly adapt to a No. 8 role (box-to-box midfielder), operating on both wings. His versatility allows him to fit various styles and tempos of play.
“He boasts one of the finest first touches I’ve ever coached. Not just when he receives the ball with time and space, but in chaotic situations where he’s surrounded by opposing players. He can control the ball exceptionally well under pressure.
“I believe that in England, he could evolve into a central midfielder, similar to how Anderson did under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. Like Allan, Anderson was originally a No. 10 in Brazil, physically strong and capable of handling the competitiveness of the league while being impactful.”
To showcase his versatility, here are three notable moments from Allan’s brief tenure in Palmeiras’ first team.
In the semifinals of last year’s Copa Libertadores, Palmeiras suffered a disappointing 3-0 loss to Ecuador’s Liga de Quito in the first leg due to Ferreira’s tactical errors at high altitude. Needing a superhuman effort in the return leg, Allan played a key role, delivering a brilliant cross for the opening goal scored by Ramón Sosa. He later contributed to sealing the 4-0 comeback with a devastating dribble that led to a penalty converted by Raphael Veiga. Here was Allan as the winger.
Before the World Cup, Palmeiras faced off against Flamengo in the Brazilian league. After Flamengo received an early red card, Allan shifted his position from the right wing to bolster the midfield, leveraging the extra player advantage against Flamengo’s central duo. He scored during this 3-0 victory, showcasing Allan’s skills as a midfielder.
In a recent Libertadores match against Cerro Porteno in Paraguay, Palmeiras adopted a three-man defensive structure, requiring Allan to fill the right wing-back position — an uncommon task for a left-footed player. Although his contribution in the team’s 1-0 victory wasn’t flashy, it displayed his effectiveness. Here, Allan excelled as a defender.
Thus, Manchester City has secured a player with the ability to adapt to various roles. It will be fascinating to see which position suits him best as he embarks on his journey in the Premier League.