Chelsea will activate the €12.1 million release clause for Pedro Lima, the right back from Sport Club do Recife, after negotiations slowed down over the fee. The club had initially offered €7 million plus an additional €3 million in bonuses, but Sport is holding out for the full amount.
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Sport’s president, Yuri Romao, flew to the UK this week to discuss the transfer, but the two sides have yet to reach an agreement. With Lima ineligible for a UK work permit, Chelsea plans to have him start his European career at RC Strasbourg, their affiliated club in France.
This move aligns with Chelsea’s strategy under Clearlake Capital, who have invested heavily in young talent since their takeover, particularly targeting South American prospects.
Lima, compared to Brazilian great Cafu for his attacking prowess, has been a key player for Sport since joining the first team in January.
He played a crucial role in winning the Campeonato Pernambucano and has been a regular in Brazil’s Serie B. His contract was recently extended through 2027, underscoring his importance to the team.
𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗢 𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗢𝗩𝗔𝗗𝗢! 💎🔄
Pedro Lima teve vínculo estendido no Leão até 2027! Uma joia da nossa base com um caminho muito vitorioso pela frente: vamos juntos! pic.twitter.com/u8iDAEJMhc
— Sport Club do Recife (@sportrecife) February 25, 2024
Chelsea continues to bolster its squad with young talent from Brazil, with recent signings like Deivid Washington, Angelo Gabriel, and Andrey Santos. These players spent the last season on loan at Strasbourg, gaining valuable experience in Europe’s competitive leagues.
This approach supports Chelsea’s compliance with financial regulations while building a pipeline of future stars.
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
Binge the full series, available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel.
