Football
Exclusive: Aston Villa Lead Premier League Chase for Brazil Hotshot Kaio Jorge
Brazil's Kaio Jorge is a rising star attracting European interest after a stellar season at Cruzeiro. With 21 goals in 33 starts, the 23-year-old is being eyed by clubs in the Premier League, including Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest. Juventus has a sell-on clause, but other Serie A clubs like AC Milan and Fiorentina are also interested. Zenit St. Petersburg had previously shown interest, but a £30million price tag might be a hurdle.
Cruzeiro v Corinthians - Brasileirao 2025 by Pedro Vilela | Getty Images
Brazilian starlet Kaio Jorge is attracting major interest in Europe, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed an incredible breakthrough season at Cruzeiro, netting 21 goals in 33 starts.
Previously at Juventus, the Brazil Serie A top scorer returned to his homeland after struggling to make his mark in Europe.
But he is viewed as a totally different proposition by potential suitors after his sensational scoring streak this season.
Our sources have been told clubs around Europe are eager to secure Jorge’s services, especially given the fact he made his Brazil debut this year.
And it is understood he could given be on the verge of a move to the Premier League in January.
Both Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest have monitored the young star’s progress this season with sources close to the club in South America saying one club from England sent scouts over to watch him just last month.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are also said to be interested in the player after his fine emergence this term.
A return to Italy has not been ruled out with AC Milan and Fiorentina interested in Jorge’s undoubted talents.
It is understood Cruzeiro want a fee in the region for £30million and Juventus have a sell-on clause inserted in the deal.
Zenit St. Petersburg are understood to have been previously interested in the player and have unearthed a number of quality Brazilian gems in the past, but were priced out of a move.
Hit His Straps
Jorge was regarded one of Brazil's brightest attacking prospects when he moved to Juventus from Santos in 2021, but sadly suffered an injury quickly into his Turin tenure.
He made just 11 appearances and returned to Brazil with Cruzeiro last season.
Jorge made a slow start with two goals in 16 league games before returning to form with a bang this term.
Aston Villa are also weighing up a move for Monaco midfielder Maghnes Akliouche, although a potential deal could prove difficult with a fee of around £50 million being touted.
Shane is an experienced sports journalist with over a decade on the front line, covering everything from football to horse racing. A familiar face in the snooker pressroom, his work regularly appears in the Daily Mirror, Daily Express, and Daily Star, alongside SportsBoom.
While snooker is where many readers know him best, cricket is his true sporting passion, though he tends to keep that side of him separate from his professional beat.
A staunch traditionalist, he’s unlikely to share your enthusiasm if you believe The Hundred is the future of Test cricket.