December 22, 2024

The 20-year-old will link up with the club’s development setup initially, after following Marcelino Nunez and Gabby Sara from South America.

Norwich do not have a buy option but aim to run the rule over Lima with a view to exploring a potential permanent move next summer.

The youngster saw a proposed loan, with a buy option, to Portuguese second tier club Academico de Viseu shelved earlier this summer following a fan backlash over the proposed move.

Lima, who has one senior appearance for the Brazilian club in this season’s Copa Libertadores, reportedly agreed a contract extension until 2025 before he departed for England.

The English-speaking youngster could now make his City development bow in Friday’s Premier League Two game against Chelsea’s Under-21s at Carrow Road.

After a period of initial adaptation with Alan Neilson’s development squad, Lima will likely train with David Wagner’s first-team squad with City’s boss then given the opportunity to assess him.

He recently scored the winner for his parent club’s Under-20s to help them reach the final of the Brasileirão Under-20s.

Norwich have established a scouting network in the region over recent years that saw Sara and Nunez arrive in the past 12 months or so.

The eyecatching impact of Sara in green and yellow was believed to be a factor in Lima’s desire to seek a Canaries’ loan switch.

Speaking to the club’s official channels, Lima spoke of his excitement of experiencing football in a new country.

“I’m very excited, it’s an amazing club. I’m very happy to be joining, and wearing these colours is very special to me,” the youngster told City’s official channels.

“I saw that (Gabriel) Sara has been amazing here, it’s a club that uses a lot of young players so for me that’s a big point.

“It’s my first experience in football out of Brazil. Football in England is famous for being one of the best in the world, it’s going to be a great experience and I hope I can do well here.”

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