Neymar's Public Displeasure Over Lucas Moura's Deadline Day Spurs Switch
Brazilian superstar Neymar made his feelings abundantly clear when Tottenham Hotspur managed to secure the signature of Paris Saint-Germain forward Lucas Moura during the January transfer window's dramatic deadline day in 2018. The world-record signing expressed what he described as profound sadness and a sense of injustice regarding his compatriot's sudden departure from the French capital.
The Background to a Controversial Transfer
Lucas Moura originally joined Paris Saint-Germain from Sao Paulo in 2013 for a substantial fee of £33.5 million, quickly establishing himself as one of Brazil's most promising footballing talents on the global stage. However, by the winter of 2018, the dynamic winger had fallen significantly down the pecking order under then-manager Unai Emery, creating an opportunity for Premier League clubs to pursue his services.
Tottenham, showing determined interest throughout that January window, successfully negotiated a £25 million deal for the then-25-year-old attacker as the transfer deadline approached. This acquisition made Moura Spurs' record January signing at that time, with the player committing to a substantial five-and-a-half-year contract in north London.
Neymar's Emotional Reaction and Public Criticism
The transfer provoked an emotional and very public response from Neymar, who had himself joined PSG for a world-record fee just the previous summer. Speaking after PSG's Coupe de la Ligue semi-final victory against Rennes, the Brazilian icon did not hold back his feelings about his close friend's departure.
"I'm sad because he's a good friend, a quality player who has been used very little," Neymar stated candidly. "I think it's very unfair. He's my brother in football. I wish him all the best. Regardless of the destination, I hope he'll score a lot of goals and that he'll return to the Brazil team."
Neymar further elaborated on his perspective, suggesting that Moura had been unfairly marginalised despite enjoying his most productive campaign the previous season with twelve goals. "He's not just a friend, he's someone who has a lot of quality. He could have been used a lot more here, I'm sure of that, but I'm not the team's owner. For me, he should never have left Paris."
Lucas Moura's Enthusiasm for His New Challenge
Despite Neymar's vocal objections, Lucas Moura himself expressed nothing but excitement about his move to the Premier League. Tottenham announced his arrival with a promotional clip showing him shaking hands with former PSG teammate Serge Aurier, who had joined Spurs several months earlier.
"I’m so, so happy. It’s a new chapter in my life, a new challenge for me," Moura declared upon his signing. "I’ve joined a big club with big players and I look forward to playing and helping the team. I can play in the Champions League, which is a big objective for me and to make new friends is always a pleasure. I will give my best for this club. I think we have a lot of quality and I think we can win big things."
Memorable Contributions and Subsequent Career Path
Moura's prediction about achieving significant success with Tottenham nearly materialised in spectacular fashion during the 2019 Champions League campaign. The Brazilian winger scored a remarkable second-half hat-trick against Ajax in the semi-final, securing an unforgettable aggregate victory that propelled Spurs to their first-ever Champions League final. Although Tottenham ultimately fell short against Liverpool in the Madrid final, Moura's heroic performance cemented his place in the club's folklore.
The attacker continued to contribute significantly during his time in north London, helping Tottenham reach the EFL Cup final in the 2020/21 season, where they were defeated by Manchester City. After five years with the club, it was confirmed in January 2023 that his contract would not be renewed, bringing his Spurs tenure to a conclusion.
In August 2023, Lucas Moura returned to his boyhood club Sao Paulo, where the now 33-year-old remains an important figure for the Brazilian giants. He further extended his commitment to the club until the end of 2026 with a contract renewal signed last December, continuing his professional career in his homeland.
