Allan Elias said it was surreal and the proudest moment of his life to join Manchester City after completing his £32m move to the FA Cup winners.
The uncapped Brazilian has signed a five-year deal with City, who could pay Palmeiras a further £2m in add-ons.
The 22-year-old becomes one of the replacements for Savinho and Omar Marmoush, who have gone to Tottenham in deals that could earn City up to £145m, and may be the first of two wingers recruited at the end of the transfer window.
City are also interested in Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye as they look for further options in attack, while, in a busy final couple of days of the summer trading, they face a decision whether to bid for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez.
Allan’s arrival takes City’s summer spending to more than £250m, though they have already brought in more than that, even before Marmoush’s loan to Spurs becomes a permanent deal.
Allan, who made 96 appearances for Palmeiras, said: “This is a surreal moment for me. Manchester City, with everything they have won over the past 15 years, are one of the most attractive clubs in the world for players. To be able to sit here today and say I have joined them is the proudest moment of my life.
“I love Palmeiras and always will – but the decision to come to City was an easy one. I want to be the best footballer I can be and the conversations I’ve had with the people at City so far has convinced me there isn’t a better place for me to fulfil my ambitions.
“My intention is to help City continue winning trophies. If I can do that, it would be a dream come true.”
Allan’s former Palmeiras teammate Vitor Reis sent him a message when he was considering joining City and they will link up again at the Etihad Stadium.
And City director of football Hugo Viana believes his new signing’s fighting spirit and work ethic mean he can have a big impact.
Viana said: “Allan is a really exciting player, and we think he will be a big addition to the squad. He has shown throughout his short career so far that he will fight to be the best he can be. Coming to Manchester and taking on the challenge of being a City player is another example of that.
“We watched his progress in Brazil and saw a player that thrives in the big moments and works hard for the team with a superb attitude. Everyone is very happy that he has joined us and we look forward to seeing him grow with City.”
