Santos attacking midfielder Lucas Lima. (Photo : Getty Images)
Brazilian midfielder Lucas Lima reportedly rejected several transfer offers to play in China as Chinese Super League clubs Jiangsu Suning FC and Shanghai SIPG FC and China League One squad Hebei China Fortune presented him lucrative deals just recently.
The New Indian Express indicated that the 25-year-old Lima "confirmed he has received offers to join several Chinese football clubs" this year, specifically the teams mentioned above.
Lima, who has a release clause of $18 million from his current Brazilian Serie A team Santos FC, was said to have pondered on the Chinese offers but ultimately had turned them down.
Reports were out that the Marília, Brazil native is keen on playing in Europe than in Asia and has also recently been linked to Italian Serie A club SSC Napoli.
"What I have most analyzed are the options in China," Lima disclosed. "I sat down with my father and there is the question of money, as all people know, but it's still not what I'm interested in. I'm going to analyze it more what is best for me."
"I have a contract and I have made it clear that I want to play in Europe, but only if it is good for me and good for Santos. We've had some proposals and I will sit down with my family to think about them," he added.
Meanwhile, Sambafoot reported the attacking midfielder's remarks on his possible transfer to China, noting that Lima said "they (Chinese football clubs) will have to watch me on TV!"
Lima's recent comments had a noticeable change in tune as he seems decided on staying with Santos for the time being.
"I don't want that for my career at the moment, I have always been clear. Football is very dynamic and anything can happen, but right now, in my head I am focused on Santos and I am not thinking about this now."
