norwich city Cruzeiro are set to complete the contract with defender Bruno Alves, with the Brazilian now heading to England to finalize the move.
The Championship side had already agreed a deal with Cruzeiro, and the latest from the Brazilian suggests the transfer is moving into its final stages.
local outlet itasia Report Bruno Alves boarded a flight to England on Thursday. The 20-year-old also posted a photo from the plane on social media, in which his wife mentioned the new "adventure" they are about to embark on.
The defender is joining Norwich on loan until mid-2027. Cruzeiro will receive financial compensation for the deal, and the Canaries will also have a purchase option. The figures have been kept confidential.
Why have Norwich City moved now?
Bruno Alves arrives as a development signing, but there is logic behind the move to Norwich.
The centre-back came through Cruzeiro's academy and attracted attention at the youth level. He was also a starter for Brazil at last year's U20 World Cup, which helps explain why an English club has taken advantage of the opportunity.
He is a 1.86m tall androgynous defender who has a market value of €250k (£211k) according to Transfermarkt. That profile gives Norwich scope to move a young defender without immediately committing to a permanent deal.
For Cruzeiro, the move also makes sense. Bruno Alves was part of the first team, but was not given minutes by manager Artur Jorge. He also failed to play under Tite before the coaching change.
This left him behind Fabricio Bruno, Jonathan Jesus, Joao Marcelo and Lucas Villalba.
Contract status clarified
Bruno Alves is not leaving Cruzeiro as a player over whom the Brazilian club had lost control.
He renewed his contract last year and will remain with the club for a long time. TransferMarket currently lists their deal as running until the end of 2029.
That's why the purchase option makes sense for Norwich. If the defender adapts well to England, the Championship club already has a route to keeping him.
Itatia said he hoped to leave Cruzeiro permanently during the loan period if the player impresses in English football.
Last season Norwich finished ninth in the Championship, four points outside the play-off places. They are now adding a young Brazilian centre-back who needs senior minutes, but who comes with international youth experience.
This is a low-risk deal for the Canaries, and could be even more valuable if Bruno Alves makes a rapid leap forward.
