Premier League newcomers Fulham have made a move for Luizao this week but the Brazilian defender wants to sign a new contract with Sao Paulo instead, as reported by Globo Esporte.
Another day, another central defensive target slipping through Fulham fingers.
The Cottagers agreed terms with West Ham United’s Issa Diop before an ill-timed injury to Nayef Aguerd put an end to talks. Chelsea’s Malang Sarr is on his way to Monaco. Eric Bailly, meanwhile, is closing in on a reunion with former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho at Roma.
It seems unlikely that Luizao will arrive either.
According to Globo Esporte, Fulham have expressed their interest in the 20-year-old giant this week. Luizao will be a free-agent in January 2023, meaning he can be snapped up for nothing as part of a pre-contract arrangement.
But Luizao, the report adds, would prefer to extend his stay at Sao Paulo rather than embark upon a new adventure on the other side of the Atlantic. Fulham, like fellow suitors Porto and Benfica, have failed to turn his head, it seems.
Luizao could turn down Fulham for Sao Paulo stay
Luizao, or Luiz Gustavo Oliveira da Silva to give him his full name, only made his senior debut in May. He’s already a major part of the Sao Paulo set up, however. Luizao has featured in all of their last five Brazilian Serie A matches.
Fulham’s pursuit of a left-sided central defender goes on with no end in sight then, ahead of Saturday’s Premier League opener with Jurgen Klopp’s fearsome Liverpool side.
“We, as a squad, we are not ready,” said a frustrated Marco Silva over the weekend, highlighting the lack of competition for Tosin Adarabioyo and Tim Ream in the heart of his defence.
“I want to be clear with you; Now, we have 16 senior players in our squad. No-one competes at this level with 16 senior players in your squad.
“I will tell you one more (thing). No-one can prepare for one season with just two central defenders. We have two central defenders at this level.
“I’m really happy with this group of players that we have. But everyone that understands football can see we need at least five or six more players.”
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