Tottenham Hotspur insider John Wenham has shared a crucial detail about Lucas Moura’s contract, with the Brazilian’s deal set to expire at the end of the season.
Moura, 30, is yet to agree on fresh terms to extend his stay in North London, but the club has a one-year optional extension they are able to activate at any time regardless of what the player intends to do.
“He’s keeping his options open,” Wenham told Football Insider.
“That, for me, is absolutely fair enough. He has got a lot of media things going on down in Brazil, Spurs fans will know there is a podcast over there that he is very friendly with.
“I have no issues with this whatsoever. His contract expires this summer so from January he can sign a pre-contract deal but Tottenham do have the option to extend it by a further year if they choose to do so.
“That doesn’t require Lucas’ permission and I don’t think people realise that. So there are plenty of options on the table right now.
“Personally, I am always happy to have him around the squad and I feel he is still an option off the bench or someone who can even start games if we are missing Kulusevski or Richarlison.
“He has done fantastic things for Tottenham and I like him as a person as well.
“If he does go, fair enough and thank you, he is a cult hero for the amazing things he has done for the club.”
TIF thoughts on Lucas Moura…
Although he has produced some great moments in a Spurs shirt, with a stunning hattrick against Ajax to send the club to the Champions League final an obvious highlight, everyone would be better served by him parting ways after nearly five years at Tottenham.
Moura can find a club where he will gain regular football, as he remains behind Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison in the pecking order, and Antonio Conte can replace him with someone of his own choosing.
The Brazilian can sign terms with a new club from January unless the club trigger the extension, and they will be wise to consider letting him leave at the end of the season rather than activating it.