Aston Villa Compete With Newcastle United For 18-Year-Old Midfielder: Does Emery Need Him Now?
Aston Villa Compete With Newcastle United For 18-Year-Old Midfielder: Does Emery Need Him Now? Aston Villa and Newcastle United have emerged as two Premier League clubs monitoring 18-year-old Brazilian midfielder Lucas Rodrigues, according to reporting from Sport Witness, which drew on initial coverage by ESPN Brazil. The attacking midfielder plays for Goiás, a second-division Brazilian side, where he has established himself as a first-team regular in their 2026 campaign.
Aston Villa and Newcastle United eye Brazilian teenage talent Lucas Rodrigues He won the revelation award in the state championship, has scored four goals and added one assist across 13 appearances this season, and carries a release clause fixed at €44 million (£38 million) following a contract renewal that binds him to the club until 2029. Goiás president Paulo Rogério Pinheiro made the club’s position unmistakable, stating that any interested party should “come with a lot of money” before expecting any conversation. The player himself said his focus remains entirely with Goiás.
Sport Witness also noted that broader Premier League interest beyond these two clubs may exist, though that element remains unconfirmed. Speaking about the situation, the player himself made it clear his focus remains on his current club: “Yes, I’m aware (of the interest), but I’m not thinking about that right now. I play for Goiás, and my mind is 100% on Goiás.
There’s still the rest of the season, we want to get promoted, and I’m focused here. ” Paulo Rogério Pinheiro, the club’s president, warned that any negotiations would require a major financial effort: “Officially, nothing has reached the club. But the whole world wants Lucas, not just England.
His release clause is high, and he has a contract until 2029. ” And he taunted: “Bring money and come talk directly to me. If you want to negotiate with us, come with a lot of money.