Lucas Peraldo linked to Liverpool? Sao Paulo's versatile talent, dubbed the "Joker," vies for recognition among top clubs despite commanding a substantial transfer fee.

 Lucas Peraldo linked to Liverpool? Sao Paulo's versatile talent, dubbed the "Joker," vies for recognition among top clubs despite commanding a substantial transfer fee.

Which Sao Paulo star is drawing attention from clubs?

Liverpool, in search of a left central defender, is closely eyeing the 19-year-old Sao Paulo talent, Lucas Beraldo.

Distinguished for his ball possession and exquisite passing, Beraldo earned the moniker "The Joker" in Sao Paulo.

In a revealing statement last May, Beraldo explained, "For all those who call me crazy when I laugh and smile during the national anthem, this is a mental technique I used to go into matches feeling calm and to avoid feeling anxious, and it worked well."

Hailing from Piracicaba in the state of São Paulo, Beraldo's football journey, influenced by his father Andre, a former defender, saw him excel with Red Bull Brasil before joining Sao Paulo in 2020. Despite leaving his family behind, the move to Cotia provided Beraldo with an excellent opportunity to hone his skills in one of the premier talent academies globally.

Sao Paulo fans began to take notice of Beraldo's talent after standout performances in the Sao Paulo Cup last year. His professional debut in the 2022 Copa Sudamericana showcased his abilities, with the young center-back impressing both with his defensive prowess and leadership skills.

An ankle injury briefly interrupted Beraldo's ascent, but he made a triumphant return, playing a key role in Sao Paulo's historic Copa do Brasil title win.

Known for his ball-playing abilities and versatility, Beraldo, a left-footed player, has garnered interest from European clubs, including Liverpool. However, Sao Paulo, financially stable, has set a high asking price, with a release clause of 60 million euros in Beraldo's contract, signaling their intent to secure fair compensation.

While the destination remains uncertain, Beraldo's future seems destined for European football, with clubs like Porto, Bayern Munich, and Lyon also reportedly expressing interest in the talented defender. Despite the speculation, Beraldo, aptly nicknamed "The Joker," appears unfazed by the uncertainties surrounding his next chapter.