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Exclusive: Flamengo Winger Wallace Yan Draws Interest from NYCFC and Atlanta United

Flamengo's rising star Wallace Yan is garnering interest from top clubs in England and North America. Scouts are impressed by his potential on the world stage, with MLS and Premier League clubs vying for his signature in a €15M–€20M bidding war. Yan's versatile playing style and physical prowess make him a coveted prospect for clubs looking to strengthen their attacking options.

Ekrem Konur
Ekrem Konur

Last updated: 2026-02-16

Louis Hobbs

3 minutes read

CR Flamengo v Chelsea FC: Group D - FIFA Club World Cup 2025

CR Flamengo v Chelsea FC: Group D - FIFA Club World Cup 2025 by David Ramos | Getty Images

The latest "gem" to emerge from Flamengo’s famed Ninho do Urubu academy, Wallace Yan, is attracting intense interest from North America and England’s most ambitious outfits.

Following his dominant displays in the Carioca League, scouts have reached a consensus: "This player is ready for the world stage."

The Scouting Tribunes: Who is Tracking Him?

Observer traffic at Flamengo's matches has reached an all-time high. Yan’s athletic profile and sheer pace in transition play are drawing representatives from high-tempo leagues to the stands.

Joining the previously linked Wolverhampton, both Brentford, renowned for maximizing winger output, and Everton have officially entered the fray. Brentford scouts are reportedly impressed by the significant surge in Yan’s Expected Goals (xG) and Expected Assists (xA) metrics this season.

MLS has transitioned into a vital springboard for Brazilian talents. New York City FC (City Group) and Atlanta United are planning to contact Flamengo to sign Yan under the "Young Designated Player" slot. Notably, the City Group option includes a pathway where the player could shine in New York before a potential move to Manchester City or Girona.

Scouting Observations: The Complete Attacker

Reports emphasize that Yan is no longer just a traditional forward; he has evolved into the "complete attacker" required in the modern game.

Standing at 1.82m, his acceleration is already deemed Premier League-caliber. His ability to hold his own in physical duels suggests he would seamlessly adapt to the rigors of either England or MLS.

His ability to dictate play with his head up while in possession distinguishes him from one-dimensional strikers.

The €20M Bidding War

Flamengo is leveraging the player’s contract strength to maintain a firm hand in negotiations.

RB Bragantino’s initial €10M bid has effectively become a floor price. 

With the entry of MLS and Premier League clubs, Flamengo is now holding out for a package in the €15M–€20M range (guaranteed fee + sell-on clause). 

Leaks suggest MLS clubs are preparing "formal letters of intent," while UK representatives are already "booking a slot" for summer pre-agreement talks.

In other MLS related transfer news, after a breakout season with FC Cincinnati, Evander’s stock has soared, with Brazilian heavyweights Flamengo, Palmeiras, Botafogo, and Vasco da Gama all circling for a potential move.

Analytical Outlook

The MLS Route: Immediate starting-XI guarantees and a high salary at NYCFC or Atlanta, following the blueprint of stars like Miguel Almirón.

The Premier League Gamble: A direct jump to Wolves or Brentford, higher risk, but testing his talent at the absolute pinnacle.

The City Group Strategy: A transition through NYCFC as the "safest" professional route to climb the global footballing ladder toward Manchester.

Ekrem Konur
Ekrem KonurFootball Transfer Specialist

Ekrem Konur is a renowned football transfer specialist and journalist with a global reputation for breaking exclusive stories. He has established strong collaborations with major international outlets such as Marca, AS, Mundo Deportivo, Bild, Record, Daily Mirror, CaughtOffside, Goal, and ESPN. Additionally, Ekrem has a long-standing history of covering European football for the prominent Japanese magazine World Soccer Digest. With a massive digital reach of over 1.2 million followers and 60 million monthly impressions, he bridges the gap between club boardrooms and fans, serving as a leading authority in the global transfer market.