IN SPORT.ES
Lucas Lima is a player that Barcelona like. He is on the list of names the club have to strengthen in midfield. His signing, however, would not happen until January.
The Brazil international, 26, has a contract until Dec. 31 with Santos and will be allowed to leave for free at the end of the year if he does not sign a new deal. Therefore, Barça would not have to negotiate with a club they have a ruptured relationship after the Neymar transfer.
From July 1, Lucas Lima can talk to and commit to any club he desires. On the table he has two firm offers: Santos, who hope he will remain with the club, and Palmeiras.
In charge of Lucas Lima's career is the company NN Consultoria, owned by Neymar's father. Neymar Sr. knows first hand that the player is on Barça's list of possible signings.
Neither the player nor his agency want to rush things, though. The player is aware that he has six months to decide his future and the idea of playing at Camp Nou excited. The Brazil international would accept the chance to play for Barça.
In recent weeks, Barcelona have not made any movement with regards to a signing. The sporting director has been watching him for more than two years and is aware of his qualities and his potential.
FuturE
The player is focused on the day-to-day, knowing that his chances of going to next summer's World Cup depend on continuing to perform for current club Santos. And this season has not been easy for the Peixe, who have had to change coach: Levir Culpi for Dorival Junior.
Las próximas semanas serán decisivas para el desarrollo de la temporada. El 5 de julio hay el partido ido de los cuartos de final de la Copa Libertadores, en un duelo fratricida con el At. Paranaense, en las que el Peixe tiene grandes opciones a pasar de ronda.
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A punto de cumplir los 27 años, y acercándose a su madurez como futbolista, Lucas Lima sabe que su próximo contrato debe ser el más importante de su carrera. El Santos le ofrece una ficha anual de 1,4 millones de euros más incentivos, el Palmeiras, por su parte, llega a los 2 millones de euros. Los dos valores son plenamente asumibles para el Barça. El proyecto deportivo acabará determinando lo que sucederá.