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The latest Brazilian off of Shakhtar Donetsk's assembly line of talent-growth is Alex Teixeira, who's having a rather ridiculously prolific goalscoring season, despite not actually playing as an out-and-out striker. He's currently fifth in Europe's Golden Shoe competition behind far more illustrious names like Higuain, Suarez, or Aubameyang.
Having turned 26 a couple weeks ago, matching the 26 goals he's scored in 25 games in all competitions so far this season, the time is now for him to fly the coop and make a name for himself in mainstream Europe. Shakhtar have seemingly accepted as much, though are not likely to let him go until the summer and then only for something well north of €30m. Still, Teixeira is unlikely to be short of suitors, one of whom is and will be Chelsea.
"Chelsea? I'm very happy that they're interested. On my part, I do everything to continue improving."
Teixeira hopes his big money move will be the ticket to the Brazilian national team as well, just as it has been for the likes of Willian, Fernandinho, and Douglas Costa.
"I want to be part of the Brazilian national team, so I may have to switch clubs."
Shakhtar and their huge contingent of Brazilians are current in Florida, preparing for the second half of the season, when they'll hope to hang on to top spot in the Ukrainian Premier League (only ahead on goal difference from Dynamo Kiev) and put together a strong run in the Europa League knockout rounds. Teixeira will be a key part of those campaigns, ahead of the summer's bidding war for his services.