Questions as Moura is linked to Magpies
LUCAS Moura bid farewell to the Tottenham Hotspur faithful in a 4-1 win over Leeds United at Elland Road. The Brazilian midfielder scored a brilliant solo goal in injury time to put the final nail in the Whites’ coffin.
The Journal understands the 30-year-old has been offered to Newcastle United for next season, with his contract expiring this summer. The hero of Spurs’ Champions League comeback at Ajax will be available on a free transfer and his agent has made contact with the Magpies.
We spoke to football.london’s Tottenham Hotspur reporter Alasdair Gold for an insight into Lucas’ departure:
Were you surprised to see Lucas leave Spurs this summer?
Alasdair Gold: “Not really. He’s been injured for just under half of the season and with his lack of output – Sunday’s goal was his first of the season and it came in the final game of the campaign – it made sense not to take the option to extend his contract.”
Do you think he can still play in the Premier League regularly and still produce moments of magic?
AG: “He showed on Sunday that he can still score the odd sensational goal, but it’s that end product that has always been the big question mark over Lucas.
Five years at Tottenham and only 20 Premier League goals across all that time and just 16 assists. He’s not really a striker and he’s not really a winger.
“He can be a threat with his running and he’s a good character to have around your club, but I’m not sure whether he would be a regular starter at many teams in the top half of the Premier League at this point.”
Injuries plagued his season, do you think that should be a concern?
AG: “I wouldn’t be too concerned about that. His tendon inflammation problem this season was the first real injury woe he’s had at Spurs. If that’s completely sorted then he should be fine for his next side.”
Would Newcastle be a good fit?
AG: “As a free transfer he’s a decent squad player, but if you’re looking for a starter Lucas is unlikely to be that man right now when you look at Newcastle’s ambitions next season.”