Mano Menezes targets Lucas Veríssimo: 'Contracts must be respected'

The recent developments in the transfer saga of Lucas Veríssimo have taken a dramatic turn, reshaping the plans of both Corinthians and Benfica. 

Initially, Veríssimo was on the verge of making his loan move to Corinthians permanent. The Brazilian club had laid out plans for the 27-year-old central defender, who was already an integral part of their squad, having joined on loan from Portuguese giants Benfica. However, in a surprising twist, the player's transfer journey took an unexpected detour.

Benfica, seizing the opportunity presented by this sudden change in the player's decision, managed to leverage the situation to their financial advantage. They successfully increased the sale value of Veríssimo by an additional million euros. The revised deal culminated in Veríssimo's impending move to Al Duhail in Qatar, a club already home to Portuguese central defender Rúben Semedo. This transfer nets Benfica a significant fee, reportedly around nine million euros.

Veríssimo's decision to change course and join Al Duhail has caused a stir at Corinthians, leading to a sense of disappointment and unease. The club's president, Augusto Melo, and coach Mano Menezes have both expressed their views on the matter, with Menezes particularly vocal in his remarks.

In a press conference following Corinthians' narrow 1-0 win against Guarani, Menezes addressed the issue. He emphasized that the club had fully expected Veríssimo to remain with them, as plans were in motion for his continued stay, backed by an existing contract valid till mid-year. However, the unpredictable nature of football, as Menezes pointed out, often brings surprises and the necessity to respect contractual agreements.

Menezes appeared philosophical about the situation, acknowledging that while Veríssimo chose to pursue a different path, the world of football necessitates a forward-looking approach, leaving little room for dwelling on the past. He then shifted focus to a more positive aspect for Corinthians – the performance of Félix Torres. Menezes expressed his satisfaction with Torres, a recent arrival who had only participated in a few training sessions but managed to adapt quickly and contribute significantly to the team.

This development in the Lucas Veríssimo transfer saga underscores the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of football transfers. It highlights the complexities involved in player contracts, club negotiations, and the personal decisions of players. For Corinthians, while the loss of Veríssimo might be a setback, the emergence of players like Félix Torres offers a glimpse of hope and the potential for new beginnings. As the transfer window unfolds, the repercussions of this move will continue to be a topic of interest in the football world.