Crystal Palace opted to make the tough decision to loan Matheus Franca to Vasco da Gama back in August.
The Brazil U20 international has struggled tremendously with injuries since his £26m arrival from Flamengo in August 2023 – managing just 19 appearances for the Eagles in two years.
Therefore, despite a lack of attacking depth for Oliver Glasner at the time of his exit, Crystal Palace felt a loan back to Brazil would benefit Matheus Franca – and the early signs bode well.
Matheus Franca enjoys strong start to life at Vasco da Gama
The 21-year-old has made a positive start to his time on loan with Vasco da Gama.
Brazilian news outlet Globo state that Franca, who Jean-Philippe Mateta complimented, has “created good chances” in his first few appearances, where he has also displayed impressive levels of versatility.
The man born in Rio de Janeiro has been used as a striker and also as an attacking midfielder, with those at Vasco da Gama said to view the Brazilian as someone who “can play anywhere from midfield forward” under Fernando Diniz.
That will please Glasner, who only really has attacking midfield and striker roles to offer Franca anyway, with wing-backs replacing the traditional ‘winger’ position at Crystal Palace under the Austrian.
What Matheus Franca has said about his time at Vasco da Gama
Franca – who Will Hughes praised – seems to be enjoying his time back in the Brasileiro Serie A.
The Crystal Palace loanee was quoted by Globo as saying: “I am very happy to be joining Vasco and helping. That’s why I came here.
“These fans are wonderful, they’ve been supporting us so much. Their love for the club is unconditional. We’re very happy. Everyone knows how important these fans are.”
Franca’s boss – the aforementioned Diniz – is also pleased with his loan addition, saying: “Everyone has contributed. Matheus Franca is coming into his own, he’s a very talented player. The signings were very well made, with care and collaborative work from many people.”
There is still plenty of time remaining in the 2025/26 campaign, but the early signs suggest it was definitely worth sending Franca to his homeland to get his career back on track.
