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FC Barcelona transfer rumour update – Leon Goretzka and Lucas Lima

By Chiranjib Ghosh

GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 10: Leon Goretzka of Schalke controls the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Schalke 04 and VfB Stuttgart at Veltins-Arena on September 10, 2017 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images)
GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 10: Leon Goretzka of Schalke controls the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Schalke 04 and VfB Stuttgart at Veltins-Arena on September 10, 2017 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images) /
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Manchester United join Barcelona in chase for Brazilian playmaker Lucas Lima

SANTOS, BRAZIL – SEPTEMBER 10: Lucas Lima
SANTOS, BRAZIL – SEPTEMBER 10: Lucas Lima /

Lucas Lima’s contract expires in January and his agent has already confirmed that he will be leaving Santos. But Barcelona will be facing competition for his signature. Manchester United has joined the chase for this talented midfielder, and are now competing with Inter Milan and Barcelona.

But Barcelona do have an edge. The club reportedly reached an agreement with the player’s agent to ensure that he signs on the dotted line in January. But as of now, the entire deal is seeming to hinge on that one agreement.

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Barcelona desperately need a playmaker to support Ivan Rakitić. Denis Suárez can act as a backup for Andrés Iniesta, and Paulinho can back up Sergio Busquets. But the Croatian does not have a proper backup.

Lucas Lima can be that player. Lima is not afraid to get stuck in and is willing to accept cards for it. That is similar to Rakitić’s style of play. Also, both of them are proficient passers and can find the killer passes.

But there are some differences. Lucas Lima is a very efficient dribbler and likes to take on defenders. While Rakitić is the more physical type of player, and can bulldoze through the opposition defence.

But nonetheless, Lucas Lima can act as backup for Rakitić and can even make an impact off the bench with his attacking presence.

Barcelona willing to offer upto €15 million to sign Leon Goretzka in January


Barcelona have prioritised the signing of a midfielder in January, namely a backup to Ivan Rakitić. Although Lucas Lima is a viable option, the club prefers Leon Goretzka for obvious reasons. Goretzka is younger and has a brighter future, while also being a very similar player to Rakitić.

Goretzka’s contract expires next summer. But Barcelona are not willing to wait for the end of the season to sign him. In certain games, Ivan Rakitić has shown signs of fatigue already due to the lack of a proper backup.

Leon Goretzka has high defensive and attacking work rate. He is an aggressive tackler and a good distributor of the ball. He is exactly like Rakitić and can potentially succeed him at the Camp Nou.

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Barca will be looking to sign him for a fee between €10-15 million. If Goretzka had a longer contract, that amount would be tripled. But since his contract expires next summer, the club can sign him for a low fee.

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