Spurs & Fulham are both alleged to be interested in a dazzling young Brazilian with a gift for dribbling - but who will win the race when the transfer window opens?
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While Tottenham Hotspur may not yet know which division they’ll be playing in next season, their scouts have still been busy – and they seem to have spent some time in South America watching a gifted young winger who’s creating plenty of excitement in the Brazilian top flight.
They aren’t alone. Reports suggest that both Spurs and Fulham are keen on Coritiba winger Lucas Ronier, a 21-year-old whose dazzling dribbling displays have also attracted interest from Saudi Arabia – but just how good is Lucas Ronier, and what will it take to bring him to Europe this summer?
Lucas Ronier – the fleet-footed Brazilian wanted by Spurs & Fulham
Lucas Ronier is already in his third season as a regular starter for Coritiba but the 2026 Brasileirão campaign is his first in the top flight – his seven goals in all competitions last year helped to earn his team promotion as Série B champions, and now he’s getting to showcase his skills on a bigger stage.
The jump up has hurt his end product somewhat – in 15 league games so far he’s managed two assists and just one goal – but his lightning-fast feet have impressed nonetheless. The youngster has a gift for dribbling which will inevitably earn him a big move sooner or later.
A naturally left-footed winger who typically looks to come inside from the right but who is also comfortable on his weaker foot, Lucas Ronier’s standout trait is undoubtedly his ball control and his breathtakingly fast feet. A superb ball-carrier who can turn defenders inside out and who is just as comfortable cutting in as he is speeding round full-backs on the outside, he’s already proven to be a severe headache for defenders in Brazil’s top tier.
Short at around 5’5”, he knows how to use his low centre of gravity to turn quickly, often in a flurry of stepovers that can dazzle defenders – and draw a considerable number of fouls.
He’s also a very willing runner and effective in a high press, forcing an encouraging number of high turnovers and making a consistent nuisance of himself off the ball – while his work rate in training has also drawn praise in Brazil.
His end product needs to be polished and both his finishing and final ball need to improve before he’d be ready for the Premier League, but his preternatural technique seems to have attracted Spurs and Fulham’s interest nonetheless. According to Sport Witness, both sides are monitoring the winger’s progress ahead of potential bids.
Lucas Ronier would likely start life in England as a developmental prospect rather than an immediate starter, but he has the raw skillset and physical traits to thrive – but will either side make a move when the transfer window opens?
Will Spurs or Fulham bid for Lucas Ronier this summer?
Sport Witness’ report stops short of suggesting that negotiations are inevitable, but if either Spurs or Fulham do want to make a move they may be compelled to do it soon – they aren’t the only teams keen on Lucas Ronier.
Saudi Pro League side Neom allegedly saw a bid of £9.4m rejected in 2024 and he continues to be a subject of interest – likely with a rather higher price tag this time around. The player himself was said to be more interested in a move to Europe, however, which could give his Premier League suitors an edge.
All we can say with confidence is that any bid for Lucas Ronier would have to exceed eight figures, although the price may not spiral to unaffordable levels – the player has just 18 months left on his contract, which will encourage Coritiba to listen to offers sooner rather than later.
His club’s form may also be a factor. After a strong start (which included a 2-0 win away to Corinthians in which Lucas Ronier scored) Coritiba have struggled in recent weeks, picking up just one win in their last nine matches. They are in mid-table as it stands, but should they be sliding towards the relegation zone by the time the transfer window opens, they may be incentivised to work hard to keep hold of perhaps their most naturally gifted player.
It’s not clear just how big the battle for Lucas Ronier’s signature might be – whether Spurs and Fulham will have a clear path to a deal, or whether other sides will be in the mix as well. Certainly, with his talent, it’s hard to imagine that other European sides haven’t been paying attention too. If he does move to the Premier League this summer, it should be fun to watch.