Pedro Lourenço explains Cruzeiro's hunt for a gem in the market | OneFootball

Cruzeiro remains active behind the scenes to finalize its squad during the transfer window, and the board has a very clear focus: finding a defensive midfielder.

According to Pedro Lourenço, owner of Cruzeiro’s SAF, the signing is seen as a specific and necessary move, and the main target at the moment is a gem from Northeastern Brazilian football.

It is Zé Lucas, a breakout midfielder from Sport Recife who has recently featured for Brazil’s Under-20 national team.

A shortage in midfield

The search for a ball-winning midfielder is justified by the squad’s current makeup. Although head coach Artur Jorge has plenty of quality options for building play from the back, such as Lucas Silva and Matheus Henrique, the squad has only Lucas Romero with the classic traits of a holding midfielder.

The Argentine is a key player (he has already played 26 matches this season), but he will soon be unavailable for decisive games, such as the clashes against Internacional in the Brasileirão and Flamengo in the Copa Libertadores. Without him, the Portuguese coach is forced to improvise in protecting the penalty area.

"It’s a targeted signing. Right now, we have two players for each position. And in one position, which everyone talks about (defensive midfielder), we have only one player for the role. We are working to bring one in, and we will." > — Pedro Lourenço, in an interview with TV Cruzeiro.

The role of the academy as an alternative

While the new gem has yet to arrive at Toca da Raposa, Pedro Lourenço made a point of praising Artur Jorge’s close attention to the youth ranks.

The executive highlighted that the coach has been doing a magnificent job and is fully integrated with the club’s youngsters. The message from the management is clear: Cruzeiro will go to the market to address urgent needs, but valuing talent developed "at home" will continue to be one of the team’s pillars in the second half of the season.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

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