Manchester United are on the hunt for new midfielders and one emerging name might be too good to miss out on.
Ineos have a huge task on their hands to sign the right midfielder for Manchester United. An immediate fix is required, but they are also looking long-term too.
The club have signed promising talents Sekou Kone and Cristian Orozco, two players who impressed at youth tournaments, who the club hope can reach the very top.
But youth development can be unpredictable, and Ineos won’t be finished there. The emergence of an exciting Brazilian midfielder should be on the club’s radar.
The name is Ze Lucas, a Brazilian sensation who has just starred at the FIFA Under-17s World Cup.
Brazil v Paraguay: FIFA Under-17 World Cup
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Ze Lucas wins praise, compared to Casemiro
Brazil’s under-17s reached the semi-finals of the World Cup, losing on penalties to Portugal.
Ze Lucas captained Brazil in every game at the tournament, scoring one goal and providing two assists. He even netted his spot-kick in the shootout.
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And his performances have earned rave reviews from Spanish newspaper Marca, who have compared him to Manchester United midfielder Casemiro, and claim Barcelona are watching him.
“Ze Lucas leaves the World Cup as a Casemiro in the making for Brazil. The young man has strength, will, commitment, grit, and humility.”
Sport Recife made Ze Lucas one of their youngest players in history when he made his debut at 16.
Marca praise his ability, adding: “Intensity, along with a tactical awareness beyond his years, are the two aspects that best define Ze Lucas , a ball-winning machine in midfield.”
Ze Lucas has already made 34 professional appearances for his club, and will become officially eligible for a transfer after he turns 18 in March. His contract at Sport Recife runs to 2028.
He would not come cheap, however, with Diario De Pernambuco reporting that he has a release clause at his club for around £40 million.
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Man Utd scouts paying attention
Manchester United have been paying attention to the FIFA Under-17s World Cup, scouting Republic of Ireland talent Michael Noonan.
Also of note, United have scouted Brazilian striker Dell, and they will no doubt have been alerted to Ze Lucas’ performances too.
United have a new head of scouting, Kyle Macaulay, who was involved in Brighton’s swoop for Ecuador sensation Moises Caicedo.
Amid rave reviews about another South American sensation, and Manchester United’s need to sign a Casemiro replacement, it makes total sense that the club would be interested in Ze Lucas.
The success of Endrick at Chelsea adds support to the argument that United should invest a substantial fee in Ze Lucas, who is already playing regular football for his club.