While Chelsea are eagerly welcoming Estevao and Brazilian prodigies still “sprouting like mushrooms after the rain”, in Man City, Kayky quietly left the trumpet without drum. He was like Neymar and was considered the most promising talent in Brazil 5 years ago.
4 years ago, Man City recruited Kayky who was considered the best prodigy Brazil since Neymar. But injury and unable to adapt to English football that made Kayky talent, finally had to silently return to Bahia.
The departure in the quiet of the 22 -year -old has raised an alarm for European teams about their transfer trend. With young Brazilian talents in general, there is always a risk when they go to the old continent too early.
It can be said that Kayky's appearance in Man City caused more controversy than his departure. This right -wing player confirmed leaving Etihad last weekend, and almost did not pay attention but a few regrets “I remember him!” On the social network of NHM The Citizens.
Man City spent £ 9 million to sign a contract with a 17 -year -old then from Fluminense in April 2021. The half -green Manchester also made Kayky's appearance as many other teenage prospects. The mission was highly appreciated, making The Citizens's NHM extremely excited, especially when the Brazilian striker was kept at Etihad, instead of lending to another club of City Football Group (CFG).
Kayky debuted in January 2022, played 4 minutes at the end of the 4-1 victory at the FA Cup against Swindon Town, and then had 6 minutes in the Premier League against Norwich in February of the same year. He played 13 times in the Premier League 2, scored 6 goals and made 4 assists. The relatively promising figures for a 17 -year -old player who have just come to Europe.
And then everything did not like Kayky. The player was compared to Neymar began to struggle with injury and his development was delayed. To the extent that last week, Man City had to push him on the form of loan at his home team, Bahia.
Perhaps physical problems still exist since Kayky signed a contract with Man City. Looking back, Pep Guardiola's first comments on Kayky in October 2021 were “excavated” and attracted attention.
“He had just arrived. Having some knee problems. He was practicing with us, getting used to Man City and English football. Kayky was very young. We understood his talent, otherwise he did not come here, or Man City did not sign his contract.
He is very smart, very ready. Kayky is a jewel. Gradually, he will integrate, will try to play for the second team (youth team), looking for rhythm. And his performance will soon decide him and we need to do next, “Pep emphasized that at the time.
The injury caused Kayky to pain and struggle. Especially the previous ligament injury in July 2023 made him take more than a year. After that, he encountered many other injuries, and he left the field in tears after being stretched in a match in November 2024. Talents like Neymar, local or injury are similar to Neymar.
Kayky benefited when Bahia became a “sister” with Man City. He has twice taken on the Brazilian team on the form of lending before. The last time was in early 2025 and he scored against Palmeiras in April, his first goal since he had a serious knee injury.
Kayky has a lot of time to rebuild his career and return to the right direction, and can still return to Europe to play the top football. But in the summer of 2025, when the Premier League teams targeted the young Brazilian players, including Estevao signing a contract with Chelsea, “Kayky's disappearance” was the most effective warning, that adapting and shining in Europe was not easy.
