Nottingham Forest are reportedly interested in signing 19-year-old Giovani from Palmeiras.
Having already signed Brasileiro player of the year in Gustavo Scarpa and previous teammate Danilo in the January transfer window, Forest remain keen to do business with the Brazilian champions. Despite Gustavo Scarpa and Danilo being first team regulars during their time at Palmeiras, Giovani is still learning his trade for the club which he has been at since the age of 10. Yet with only having 29 senior appearances to his name, he’s already caught plenty of attention from European clubs.
Ironically, Giovani made his senior debut back in March 2021 replacing Gustavo Scarpa in the Campeonato Paulista against Corinthians. He had to wait until November for his Brasileiro debut, but it was to be a memorable one, scoring to help his side beat Cuiaba 3-1.
Giovani started to attract attention long before his senior debut, impressing in the Sao Paulo Junior Football Cup in 2022, where the 19-year-old finished the tournament with four goals, three assists and a winners medal.
The Brazilian scored in the quarters, semis and the final itself – a match in which future Real Madrid star Endrick also found the back of the net.
The Brazilian’s style of play and untapped potential
It’s not difficult to see why Nottingham Forest scouts have been impressed with Giovani. The left-footed winger mainly features on the right of Palmeiras’ preferred 4-5-1 formation, not afraid to cut in and run directly at opponents.
Left footed players who can operate on the right-hand side successfully are worth their weight in gold, which is why the Brazilian has attracted plenty of attention.
Far from a one trick pony, Giovani is also capable of deceiving opponents with his ability to run down the channel and cross with his right foot, causing havoc for opposing defenders trying to work out his route to goal.
Not only does he operate on either channel, but the youngster also likes to travel with the ball and beat a man through the middle. Playing brave, direct balls into his strikers’ path is another string to his bow.
Off the ball, his terrier-like attitude to win the ball back in high positions as well as move the ball up the pitch quickly into dangerous positions, which was very noticeable in the Sao Paulo Junior Cup, fits perfectly into Forest’s current ethos.
Injury setback and current form
Giovani missed most of 2022 with an ankle ligament injury but having recovered he’s had his chance back in the first team this season, largely featuring in the Campeonato Paulista, which Palmeiras went on to win back in April.
A 24-minute appearance off the bench against Santos saw the young prospect score his second senior goal for the club, confidently striking the ball quickly from the edge of the box into the bottom corner after just three minutes after being subbed on.
The final is played over two legs, and Giovani came on in the 70th minute in the first tie but was an unused substitute in the 4-0 victory back in Sao Paulo.
So why hasn’t Giovani had more opportunities to date? Manager Abel Ferreira has spoken very highly about his young prospect, but he also has a whole host of attacking options to choose from. Even Endrick has struggled for game time, with Rony, Artur, Breno Lopes, Dudu and Rafael Navarro all available for the Portuguese coach.
However, when Giovani has had an opportunity, he’s often taken it. A rare start in the Copa do Brasil against Tombense saw Giovani in the thick of the action, providing an assist from the right channel for Breno Lopes to tap home from close range. Giovani has continued to show glimpses of the talent his possesses with his cameo first team appearances.
However, he’s remained an unused substitute in the Libertadores on three occasions this season.
Nottingham Forest were previously linked with Santos’ Angelo Gabriel back in January, and despite the 18-year-old having plenty of first team opportunities, Giovani looks to possess more potential, which is why he was recently included in Brazil’s U20 World Cup squad – a high achievement in itself.
Contract situation
Giovani’s contract runs until the end of 2026 and included within is a €60million release clause. However, reports suggest Palmeiras would likely strike a deal, especially if a sell on clause was added into the transfer. With previous links to various Premier League clubs, as well as Ajax, there appears to be more substance in Giovani’s potential move to the City Ground. With Scarpa and Danilo enjoying their time at the club, and with Premier League football secured for the 2023/24 campaign, Forest looks to be an exciting proposition for emerging talent.
Giovani and his Brazilian teammates will be in action on Saturday against Nigeria in the last group match of the U20 World Cup.
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