When Lucas Piazon moved to Chelsea back in 2011, he was unapologetically branded as the ‘new Kaka’. The Brazilians might don a similar look and may have the same roots in Sao Paulo, but their respective football careers have turned out to be poles apart.
Ever since his signing, Piazon has astonishingly made one Premier League and two League Cup appearances (WhoScored), having been under Chelsea’s contract for nine seasons now. He has long been a perennial Chelsea loanee.
Since the 2012/13 season, the Brazilian has played for seven different clubs across six different leagues and now concrete reports have emerged of a possible move to an eighth club. Malaga, Vitesse, Eintracht Frankfurt, Reading, Fulham, Chievo, and Rio Ave have all been stopping points in each of the past nine seasons.
He is currently on loan at Rio Ave, having made 12 appearances (transfermarkt) this season and a move across Portugal seems most likely on cards. According to reports from Portugal, SC Braga are prospective suitors with the chance of a deal to land the services of the 26-year-old. Whether on loan or a permanent move, remains to be seen. (Record.pt & SicNoticias)
Chelsea will be looking to sell as new FIFA rules mandate clubs to just six players over the age of 22 being sent out on loan by the 2022/23 season.
Reports of clubs interested in Piazon such as Norwich City, Bordeaux, and Stoke City have also been circulating. (Tuttomercato)
Piazon has entered the final six months of his contract at Stamford Bridge, making him a free agent for interested clubs. If a permanent move does materialize, Piazon will be hoping for a stable experience in what has already been a ‘journeyman’ career.
