Fulham have enquired about Luizao, who has entered the last six months of his contract at Sao Paulo, with a possible approach on the cards.
According to Globo Esporte, Fulham are keen on Luizao, with the Sao Paulo defender in the last six months of his deal at the Brazilian side. The centre-back is keen on signing a new deal despite being eligible to enter a pre-contract agreement with any interested club.
Fulham have taken a concerted approach in the transfer window, ensuring the new players brought in will improve the current squad. After winning the Championship and gaining promotion to the Premier League, manager Marco Silva is keen to secure their top-flight status for consecutive seasons.
The club have made five senior signings in this window, with Bernd Leno’s transfer from Arsenal the latest to be completed. Roma’s Justin Kluivert is close to completing a €10 million move and could be the next to arrive at Craven Cottage. At the same time, Fulham are also keen on adding young talents on bargain deals.
Sao Paulo’s Luizao has emerged as a target for the Cottagers, with the central defender available at a cut-price deal considering his current contract predicament. As things stand, the 20-year-old is in the final six months of his contract, with his deal at Sao Paulo expiring on 31st January. The player is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with any interested clubs, with Fulham, Benfica, and Porto keen on the defender.
While those clubs can wait a bit longer and acquire him on a free transfer, they are open to negotiating a price with Sao Paulo if that helps the cause.
Despite only being a bit-part player in the team, Luizao has been getting regular opportunities at Sao Paulo of late. The change has occurred since regular starter Robert Arboleda suffered a severe injury. The prospect of playing regular football at the Brazilian side appeals to the 20-year-old, which is why he would reportedly be open to signing a new deal.
However, Fulham have enquired if a transfer is possible in the current window, as Silva is keen to add young talents to his stable. Whether the Cottagers decide to make an official approach will be apparent in the coming days, although they would need to convince the player to move to England.
Luizao is considered a top talent with a bright future, and the widespread interest in the defender justifies the claim. For now, the race could be open, and much will depend on offers received by Sao Paulo for the centre-back.
