A new twist in the Lucas Moura to Manchester United saga

There is a new twist in the Lucas Moura to Manchester United saga emerging after Sky Sports revealed a clause in his contract.

They reveal, "As of 1st August, Moura's percentage of his economic rights has risen to 30% from 20%."

This would mean Moura would be entitled to a percentage of his transfer fee. Although uncommon in England, players owning economic rights is not new around the world. Tottenham signing Jan Vertonghen netted upwards of 10 per cent of his fee as per his contract with Ajax.

His compatriot Ganso has 55 per cent of his rights held by an investment group meaning Santos would get less than half the transfer fee they would otherwise be entitled to for the playmaker.

But what does it actually mean for Lucas Moura's proposed move to United?

Well it gives the Brazilian an extra incentive to push for a move. If a fee of £30 million were agreed, Lucas would get £9 million. Although of course this would likely be split with an agent, it remains a substantial sum.

If the 19-year-old does make his move to Old Trafford, he will effectively set himself and his family up for life financially, and that is before he has even earned a penny in weekly wages at his new club.

But if you are thinking this is good news for the transfer, it's not necessarily. For it means Sao Paolo will only receive 70 per cent of his transfer fee, rather than 80 per cent, or all of it.

The Brazilian club are driving a hard bargain, reluctant to sell, and it means they are likely to ask United for more money than previously, to compensate for the 10 per cent income they will miss out on.

If they are trying to squeeze money out of United, they may end up with nothing. It has been reported that the Red Devils are reluctant to up their previous £27 million bid by much.

No progress is likely to be made for the next fortnight, with Lucas concentrating on the Olympic football competition. He has checked out, and played at Old Trafford, and United fans will only hope the experience of playing there left him wanting more.

It will leave just over two weeks for United to close a deal before the transfer window shuts. With the complex financial arrangements and the fact the two clubs have to still agree on a fee, it could go to the wire.

Will United sign Lucas Moura, or should they consider other targets?

image: © danielrichardson