Real Betis face hurdles in pursuit of Zé Lucas | OneFootball

Real Betis remain keen on Sport Recife midfielder Zé Lucas, but growing competition has made a deal trickier than a year ago.

According to La Colina De Nervion, Cruzeiro have moved first with a proposal worth up to six million euros for 80 percent of the player’s economic rights, setting a benchmark for others.

Flamengo are attempting to persuade him with their sporting project, while in Europe clubs continue to monitor, including Shakhtar Donetsk and one Ligue 1 side.

Over the past year he has cemented himself in Sport Recife’s senior team, added professional appearances and remains involved with Brazil’s youth squads.

That progress has pushed up his price and placed him among the Pernambuco club’s most valuable assets. Any bidder now faces a tougher negotiation than a few months ago.

Sport Recife are in no rush to sell, negotiating with multiple suitors and therefore able to set their terms. Their position is strengthened by a contract running until April 2028.

For Betis, this would be a future-minded move, aligning with recent windows in which Heliópolis has targeted young players with scope to grow and be revalued.

The issue is competing with clubs already in place and a price that rises as interest builds. Cruzeiro have put the first number on the table, Betis must decide whether to match it or walk away.

Source: La Colina De Nervion