Lucas João’s Role at Persepolis Remains Uncertain
Lucas João’s position at Persepolis is under scrutiny as the club faces challenges resolving his future while planning for new transfers.
Lucas João, the underperforming striker for Persepolis, continues to face an uncertain future as the Iranian club struggles to make a decisive move regarding his contract and potential replacements. João, who joined the team with high expectations, has failed to deliver consistent performances, leaving fans and management questioning his place in the squad.
The Portuguese forward has only managed to score one goal this season, a lackluster return for a player expected to lead Persepolis’ attacking line. Despite his goal against Mes Sungun, João’s overall contribution has been underwhelming, with his most recent appearance against Chador Mlou adding little to change the narrative.
Sources close to the club reveal that João’s departure has been a topic of discussion for weeks. Interim coach Karim Bagheri has reportedly supported the idea of freeing up his spot for a more impactful addition. However, Persepolis’ ongoing negotiations to terminate João’s contract have stalled, further delaying the club’s ability to finalize incoming transfers.
Competition within the squad has also limited João’s opportunities. Established forwards like Ali Alipour and Isa Alkasir have secured their places in the starting lineup, leaving João on the fringes. The club’s leadership is eager to bring in a more dynamic striker, but until João’s situation is resolved, those plans remain on hold.
João’s potential exit has sparked mixed reactions among Persepolis fans. While some view his departure as a necessary step toward reinvigorating the team, others point to deeper issues within the club’s transfer strategy, highlighting a lack of foresight in recent signings.
As the January transfer window approaches its midpoint, Persepolis finds itself at a crossroads. Resolving João’s status will be crucial not only for strengthening the squad but also for maintaining the team’s competitiveness in the Iran Pro League and Asian competitions. For João, the coming weeks will determine whether he can reignite his career with Persepolis or seek a new challenge elsewhere.