Manchester City confirm signing of Manchester United target Gabriel Jesus

Manchester City have confirmed they have completed the signing of Palmeiras star forward Gabriel Jesus on Wednesday.

The 19-year-old was the star player for the Brazilian outfit and his form saw him attract interest from top clubs from England and across Europe. He was also linked with a move to City’s derby rivals Manchester United, according to the Metro.

However, the Brazilian international has snubbed a chance to join the Red Devils in order to make a switch to the Etihad. City confirmed that Jesus will be loaned back to Palmeiras and will join Pep Guardiola’s side in January 2017.

“Manchester City are delighted to announce the signing of Gabriel Jesus from Palmeiras Gabriel Jesus is recognised as one of South America’s most exciting talents and he was named “best newcomer” in the 2015 Serie A Campeonato,” a statement read on City’s official website.

“The 19-year old has signed for Manchester City FC despite strong interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world. He will join the team in January 2017, with a contract that runs until the end of the 2020/21 season. He will remain at Palmeiras until December 2016.”

Here we go! 🇧🇷 Let’s all #WelcomeGabriel to City! ➡️ https://t.co/mJ3gXVLVoS #mcfc pic.twitter.com/hFsMzi8jig

— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 3, 2016

According to BBC, City will pay a fee of £27 million plus add-ons to Palmeiras. With Jesus deciding to join City over United, it will be a blow for Jose Mourinho’s side, who were also looking at the option of securing the teenager’ signature. Jesus has expressed his delight to have ended the recent speculations surrounding his future and is eager to train under the former Barcelona manager at the Etihad.

“Manchester City is one of the best clubs in the world so I’m really pleased to sign,” Jesus explained.

“We have many great talents in the team and a fantastic manager in Pep Guardiola that I can learn so much from. I’m looking forward to showing the City fans what I can do and I think we’ll have a great future together!”