Manchester City travel to West Ham on Friday, but the team will be without new signing Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian prodigy recently joined his new team-mates in Manchester as he prepares for life on the blue side of the city.

Jesus officially joined Pep Guardiola's revolution in July, but after remaining on loan at former club Palmeiras, the Brazil international actually turned up in Manchester earlier this week.

City were forced to fend off competition for the exciting forward's signature, with many of European football's giants chasing the 19-year-old's services before the Etihad outfit won the race last summer.

But who is the man everyone is dubbing the 'next Neymar'? Football FanCast are here to give you the rundown on the player City fought so desperately to sign during the summer.

So without further ado, here are FIVE things every City fan needs to know about the club's latest arrival.

Pele regards Jesus highly

Let's face it, if Pele believes you're something special, then you must be a half-decent footballer.

Brazilian icon Pele has spoken about City's new signing, and the three-time World Cup winner believes he has the potential to surpass Barcelona forward Neymar. Pele told ESPN, "Right now, he’s the best player we have. I think he can improve a lot still."

Tremendous praise from one of football's true icons - but can he live up to such expectations?

City fought off competition from Europe's elite

When speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport’s Extra Time magazine, Gabriel Jesus revealed he turned down the opportunity to play for some of European football's powerhouses for the chance to work alongside Pep Guardiola.

Via Football-Italia, Jesus said, "I said no to Inter and Juve. I'm a Milan fan!"

Only a few years ago, City would have lost out on the opportunity to sign someone of Jesus's ability, but the pulling power of Guardiola means they can now contend with the biggest clubs in the world.

Guided Palmeiras to Brazilian Serie A title

When Palmeiras brought Jesus through to the first-team, few could have anticipated the impact he would have on their squad.

The forward scored 25 goals in 2016 and guided the Brazilian outfit to their first league title since 1994 - three years before Jesus was even born.

Despite the relatively early departure, Jesus's incredible haul has already cemented his place in Palmeiras folklore.

Olympic gold medalist

2016 was a truly exceptional year for the Brazil international. Not only did he achieve domestic success, but he was an integral part of Brazil's Olympic Gold Medal-winning side.

Jesus contributed enormously to Brazil winning their first-ever gold medal in football. He will be hoping that success can continue throughout his career.

Versatile

Like many great players of the modern game, Jesus can play anywhere across the front three. His pace, dynamism, energy, and trickery enable Pep Guardiola to play him in many positions.

To be successful at City, Jesus must adapt and play whenever called upon. It's unlikely he will oust Aguero from the striker berth anytime soon, so playing in a wider role could be his only real opportunity to sign.