São Paulo executive Rui Costa believes Lucas Moura will be available for the crucial clash against Palmeiras and has confirmed ongoing contract negotiations with the star player.
“The Lucas is a player who is fundamental, just as Calleri is fundamental. … But Lucas already knows of our interest, his representatives already know that we want him to stay and that will happen naturally,” Rui Costa, São Paulo’s executive of football, stated.
“We have internal deadlines, we have to build a very clear issue in terms of budget. These are players who have earned the right to significant, important remuneration.”
The highly anticipated São Paulo derby is set for Sunday, February 23rd, with both teams vying for a spot in the Paulista Championship final. The match will be played at Arena Barueri, a venue with an artificial surface that has previously caused concern for Lucas Moura.
Despite his past reservations about playing on synthetic fields, Costa expressed confidence that the influential attacker will be ready for the semifinal showdown. The São Paulo executive acknowledged the challenge of playing at Arena Barueri, but emphasized the team’s commitment to facing Palmeiras wherever the match is held.
The February 23rd announcement comes after the Federação Paulista de Futebol (FPF) confirmed the match details. Palmeiras earned the right to home-field advantage due to their higher standing in the Campeonato Paulista’s overall classification, but their usual home ground, Allianz Parque, is currently undergoing renovations.
Costa downplayed the impact of the venue, stating, “The fact of playing in Barueri on a synthetic field is a condition that we have, the opponent earned the right to play in their stadium and São Paulo has to face Palmeiras anywhere.”
Beyond the immediate focus on the derby, São Paulo is also engaged in contract extension talks with Lucas Moura, signaling the club’s desire to retain the player’s services for the long term. These discussions are in their early stages, but the club is optimistic about reaching an agreement.
