Leicester City are preparing to make an offer for Sau Paulo defender Lucas Beraldo this January, according to reports, but face competition from clubs in the Premier League.
The 20-year-old centre-back, nicknamed ‘The Joker’, has become a regular in Sao Paulo’s starting lineup since making his first-team debut last year and has even featured a handful of times for Brazil’s U20s side.
It was reported by UOL back in November that Beraldo had come to the attention of Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp looks to bolster his backline, with both Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip being on the wrong side of 30.
The six-time European champions were said to be the favourites to sign the Brazilian and even held talks with his representatives last month in the hopes of completing a deal this winter.
However, now Leicester City have entered the running for Beraldo. Reports in Brazil, via Sport Witness, are claiming that Beraldo has become a top target for the Foxes, with the club prepared to make a £17 million bid once the January transfer window opens.
Beraldo is said to have a release clause worth a whopping £52 million, having recently penned a new five-year deal with Sao Paulo, keeping him on the books until 2028 unless a deal comes to fruition with a side in Europe.
Sao Paulo’s sporting director Carlos Belmonte admitted that if a club wants to sign Beraldo, they will have to pay more than twice the amount Norwich City spent on Gabriel Sara [quotes via GOAL]:
“He won’t even go for twice as much [as Sara]. Anyone who wants Beraldo will have to pay.”
Journalist Antonio Mango described Beraldo as “brave and courageous” following a string of excellent performances for his current side.
Writer’s View
Beraldo is a very exciting young talent and Leicester City will do incredibly well to secure his services. However, it will be difficult with the likes of Liverpool and clubs from abroad also interested in his signature.
Nevertheless, the Brazilian is excellent on the ball and would suit Enzo Maresca’s possession-based system perfectly but will certainly come at a hefty price should he arrive at the King Power Stadium over the coming weeks.
