Santos FC have formally introduced the signing of Lucas Veríssimo from Al-Duhail SC on a three-year contract, with an possibility for an extra season, Softfootball stories. The 30-year-old defender returns to Vila Belmiro 5 years after his departure, marking a major homecoming for the academy graduate.
In line with switch professional Fabrizio Romano through his official X deal with, Santos can pay €4 million for 70% of Veríssimo’s financial rights.
Fabrizio posted:
Lucas Verissimo has now signed a 3 yr deal plus one yr choice to grow to be new Santos participant. $4m transfer confirmed, with Al Wakrah and Al Duhail signing contract termination. Palmeiras, Internacional, Corinthians and Atletico MG tried however Santos gained the race.
The charge shall be unfold over 4 years, with the primary instalment due in December. Veríssimo had most just lately been on mortgage at Al-Wakrah SC in Qatar.
Veríssimo initially rose by Santos’ youth ranks earlier than incomes a transfer to S.L. Benfica in January 2021. He later returned to Brazil for a spell with Sport Membership Corinthians Paulista earlier than heading to the Center East.
His return comes at a vital time for Santos, who’ve struggled to ascertain defensive stability over the previous season and into the present marketing campaign. The membership rotated by a number of centre-back choices, together with Zé Ivaldo, Luan Peres, Luisão, João Basso, Adonis Frías and Alexis Duarte.
Frías and Duarte have been signed throughout final yr’s mid-season window for a mixed charge of round €8 million. Frías at present companions Luan Peres, whereas Duarte has since been loaned to Membership Libertad after a collection of pricey errors in opposition to Associação Chapecoense de Futebol within the Campeonato Brasileiro opener.
Of the remaining choices, solely Zé Ivaldo stays in common competition, although he has confronted criticism after conceding three penalties in eight appearances. Luisão is on mortgage at Goiás Esporte Clube, whereas João Basso terminated his contract earlier this week.
The announcement follows renewed optimism round Neymar, who just lately addressed fluctuating criticism by reaffirming his give attention to regaining peak situation forward of the 2026 World Cup. The ahead confused he’s taking a day-by-day method to make sure he’s totally ready for the worldwide event, the place Brazil are anticipated to lean closely on his expertise.
Off-field components additionally influenced Veríssimo’s return. Amid heightened tensions in Qatar linked to broader conflicts within the Center East, together with current assaults involving the US and Israel on Iran, soccer actions within the area have been suspended. Studies point out that Veríssimo’s household have been eager on a everlasting return to Brazil throughout this era of uncertainty.
Elsewhere in Europe, FC Barcelona have confirmed a double damage setback after each Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde sustained hamstring accidents throughout their Copa del Rey semi-final second leg in opposition to Atlético Madrid, including additional defensive considerations throughout a vital stretch of the season.
