Sao Paulo coach Rogerio Ceni admits Luizao and Igor Gomes could both leave for free in the New Year with Premier League trio West Ham United, Fulham and Nottingham Forest watching closely, speaking to Bolavip.
From Antony to Eder Militao, Antony to David Neres; Sao Paulo have seen some extremely talented footballers leave the Morumbi in recent seasons. But at least they could wipe away those tears with a handful of Brazilian Reais.
With Luizao and Igor Gomes entering the final few months of their contracts, one of South America’s biggest clubs won’t even have the consolation of a sizeable cash windfall should both players depart for nothing in 2023.
Luizao, a 20-year-old centre-half, will be a free-agent in January. Gomes meanwhile, a stylish, elegant attacking midfielder dubbed the ‘new Kaka’, is due to be out of contract in March.
West Ham, Fulham and Nottingham Forest eye Brazil raid
“(These departures are) a normal thing. (But) I regret the way they leave,” explains Ceni. “It was for the club to make good money with these players. What we regret most is a young player like Luizao, leaving for free.”
According to Brazilian reporter Jorge Nicola, Luizao is keen on a move to the Premier League. He has held ‘advanced’ talks with West Ham. Fulham are also eyeing a man on the radar of Benfica and Sporting Lisbon.
Gomes, meanwhile, is a target for big-spending Nottingham Forest (Nicola). It remains to be seen, however, if Steve Cooper’s improving and increasingly difficult-to-beat Forest side opt to bring Gomes to the City Ground after agreeing a deal to sign compatriot Gustavo Scarpa from Palmeiras.
“Igor, with a contract ending in March, can go free,” Ceni adds. “We regret that. Because it is through this generation of resources that it is possible to assemble new teams, hire (new coaches), and pay debts.”
Brazil U23 international Gomes has six assists and one goal to show for his efforts this term. He turned down a move to West Ham United a year ago.
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