Sao Paulo director Carlos Belmonte has responded to talk linking Tottenham Hotspur and Premier League ace Lucas Moura with a return to the Brazilian giants, speaking on Arnaldo e Tironi’s YouTube channel.
With the magisterial Dejan Kulusevski nailing down a starting spot in double-quick fashion under Antonio Conte, the subject of Lucas’ future in North London is sparking plenty of speculation on both sides of the Atlantic.
And the former Brazil international did little to quell the uncertainty recently when asked about a return to the club where he made his name before joining Paris Saint-Germain a decade ago.
“Today, I have a contract with Tottenham,” Lucas explains. “The fee is difficult for Sao Paulo. There is also the salary. It’s difficult. The reality is that I do think about returning, but I have never made a clear date.
“It might be (possible to return in 2023). I’m 29 years old. I have a lot of wood to burn. It’s a possibility.
“If something doesn’t come up that catches my eye at a big club in Europe, a club that I like, Sao Paulo is a very strong possibility. Sao Paulo has always been in my mind.”
Is Lucas Moura leaving Tottenham Hotspur for Brazil?
It was believed that Lucas, who earns £90,000-a-week in the English capital, had another two years left to run on his deal at Tottenham. According to Belmonte, however, the long-serving £27 million forward will actually be a free agent in 2023, rather than in 2024, with Spurs yet to decide whether or not they plan to trigger the extension clause in his contract.
“During each window, we will consult Lucas Moura,” says the Sao Paulo director.
“He has a contract for one more year. But, before the end of the year, Tottenham have to say whether they will continue with him for another season or not.
“If, by December, Tottenham decide that he will not renew for another year, his contract will expire in the middle of 2023.”
Tottenham are reportedly in talks to sign another right-sided attacker, Jonas Hofmann of Borussia Monchengladbach. PSV’s Cody Gakpo is also a target.
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