Portland Timbers is interested in a player from Santos FC

SANTOS, BRAZIL - JULY 23: Lucas Lima of Santos looks on during the match between Santos and Botafogo as part of Brasileirao Series A 2023 at Urbano Caldeira Stadium (Vila Belmiro) on July 23, 2023 in Santos, Brazil. (Photo by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images)
SANTOS, BRAZIL - JULY 23: Lucas Lima of Santos looks on during the match between Santos and Botafogo as part of Brasileirao Series A 2023 at Urbano Caldeira Stadium (Vila Belmiro) on July 23, 2023 in Santos, Brazil. (Photo by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Since the beginning of the year, Lucas Lima returned to Santos surrounded by doubts and uncertainties from the press and the Peixe fans. His stints at Palmeiras and Fortaleza had not been marked by good performances, which raised questions about his ability to regain the brilliance he once had in Brazilian soccer.

However, Santos President Andres Rueda saw an opportunity to bet on Lucas Lima’s return to Vila Belmiro and signed a six-month performance-based contract. The idea was simple: if the midfielder could show quality on the field, his contract would be extended, allowing him to rediscover his best soccer.

And that’s exactly what happened. Lucas Lima became an essential piece in Paulo Turra’s team, just as he had been under former coach Odair Hellmann. With almost absolute starting position, the midfielder has played in every match of Santos in the Brazilian Championship, showing his value by scoring a goal and providing four important assists for the team.

His triumphant return to Vila Belmiro brought relief to the fans, who began to see Lucas Lima with different eyes, remembering the inspired performances he had provided to the club in the past. President Rueda’s bet proved to be right, and the player became a prominent figure in the Santos midfield once again.

SANTOS, BRAZIL – JULY 23: Danilo Barbosa of Botafogo competes for the ball with Lucas Lima of Santos during the match between Santos and Botafogo as part of Brasileirao Series A 2023 at Urbano Caldeira Stadium (Vila Belmiro) on July 23, 2023 in Santos, Brazil. (Photo by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images)
SANTOS, BRAZIL – JULY 23: Danilo Barbosa of Botafogo competes for the ball with Lucas Lima of Santos during the match between Santos and Botafogo as part of Brasileirao Series A 2023 at Urbano Caldeira Stadium (Vila Belmiro) on July 23, 2023 in Santos, Brazil. (Photo by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images) /

However, as not everything is smooth in the world of soccer, new twists arise. Recently, Santos President was caught off guard with the news that the Portland Timbers, an American team playing in the MLS, has shown interest in Lucas Lima and is preparing to make an offer for the player.

This possibility of departure could shake Santos’ structure and put Lucas Lima’s commitment to the team that saw him shine and rise again to the test. It would be a chance to return to international soccer and showcase his talent in another country, or will he choose to continue his path at Santos, where he found new motivation and confidence?

Either way, whatever the outcome of this story, we cannot deny that Lucas Lima’s journey at Santos is a living proof that new beginnings can be surprising and transformative. The player seized the opportunity to resume his career at a club he knows so well and is proving his worth on the field in every game.

Regardless of which path he chooses, the midfielder has already left his mark again at Santos, restoring the pride of the fans and showing that it is possible to overcome adversities and shine again on the pitch. Now, we must await the unfolding of events and hope that Lucas Lima continues to be an important piece in the rebirth of Peixe.