Speaking on the De pai para Filho podcast, Sao Paulo chief Muricy Ramalho has claimed that Lucas Moura wants to rejoin his side this summer, but the player’s wages have proven a stumbling block.
Moura made 86 appearances during his time at the Brazilian club, assisting 19 times and scoring 22 goals before moving to PSG for a fee of £36 million (TransferMarkt).
Dejan Kulusevski’s January arrival at Spurs drastically affected Moura’s playing time (Sky Sports), with Lucas used predominantly from the bench due to the Swede’s fine form in Antonio Conte’s right-sided forward spot.
The 29-year-old has already declared it is ‘very likely’ that he will continue playing for the Lilywhites next season (Esporte Na Band). However, with his contract set to expire next summer, Lucas did not rule out a departure from North London.
Ramalho was clearly open to the idea of the Brazilian international returning to his homeland when speaking this week.
He said (De pai para Filho): “He has the will (to come back). But, until then, it’s hard, right? He has a contract and earns very well.
“The doors are open for him. In addition to being a great player, he is very fond of the club.”
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Moura was spotted visiting his old team’s ground in June. Ramalho continued: “He was very well received. He went to Cotia (Sao Paulo’s academy) and gave a lecture to the boys.
“But we have to be realistic. We cannot [afford] to pay what he earns there (at Tottenham). He would have to give up a lot to come here. We don’t hide this from anyone. Otherwise, we would be fooling the fans.”
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From what has been said here, it seems inevitable that Moura will reunite with Sao Paulo next summer. He is clearly adored by the fans and the hierarchy and being able to return to his childhood home will likely soften the reduction in wages.
I cannot see Spurs attempting to extend his contract further than 2023, but the player will leave as a folk hero for obvious reasons.
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