New England Revolution Eyes Lucas Silva from Cruzeiro | OneFootball

Lucas Silva, Cruzeiro’s dependable midfielder, once donned the iconic white jersey of Real Madrid. Yeah, the same guy who was once touted as one of Brazil’s brightest prospects. Now 31, he’s still got gas in the tank and plenty of game left in him. Enter the New England Revolution, a team that doesn’t mess around when it comes to strengthening its squad. They’ve reportedly started talks to bring Lucas Silva to the other side of the globe.

To understand the buzz, let’s start with where Lucas Silva is right now. He’s a crucial part of Cruzeiro, a club that might not be riding its best wave, but still boasts a storied history and a fiercely loyal fanbase. He made his return in 2020 after an underwhelming stint in Europe. With his contract running until the end of 2024, Lucas has made it clear he’d rather stay put, building his legacy in Brazil.

But here’s the thing, the New England Revolution doesn’t seem too concerned about that. The MLS side looks dead set on making a strong offer, especially with Lucas Silva’s contract entering its home stretch. And let’s face it, MLS has become a magnet for big names at different stages of their careers. Lucas Silva, while no longer the prodigy he once was, still has a lot to bring to the table. He’s seasoned, composed under pressure, and more than capable of handling the midfield grind, after all, he’s played under the brightest lights with Real Madrid.

For New England, this could be about more than just soccer. Sure, adding an ex-Real Madrid player would beef up their midfield with some much-needed consistency and vision. But let’s be real, signing someone with Lucas Silva’s pedigree is also a marketing win.

It’s hard to discuss Lucas Silva without revisiting his Real Madrid chapter. Back in 2015, he was signed as one of Spain’s rising stars. But, to cut to the chase, things didn’t exactly pan out. Between struggles with adapting, limited opportunities, and even a health scare that almost ended his career, Lucas found himself sent out on loan to get minutes. Sadly, he never quite established himself at the European powerhouse.

Still, viewing his career through that lens alone doesn’t do him justice. Returning to Brazil and reclaiming his confidence at Cruzeiro was a story of resilience. He’s still the same technical, reliable midfielder, sharp with his passing and steady in his defensive duties.

While MLS has shaken off its old reputation, it hasn’t completely dodged the “retirement league” label. That could explain why Lucas Silva doesn’t seem overly enthusiastic about jumping ship to the States just yet.

On the flip side, there’s the financial angle. MLS pays well, and life in the U.S. has its perks. Boston, where the New England Revolution calls home, offers a vibrant culture, top-notch quality of life, and an engaged fanbase. Adjusting wouldn’t be a stretch for Lucas Silva.

What happens next hinges on a few factors. If Cruzeiro steps up with a new deal, preferably one with a solid pay bump, Lucas might just stick around. After all, who doesn’t like feeling valued? But if the club hesitates or struggles to compete financially, New England could start looking like a real possibility.

Then there’s the personal side of things. Is Lucas ready for a change of scenery? After his European adventure and homecoming, maybe he feels there’s unfinished business in Brazil. Or maybe he sees MLS as a chance to explore something fresh before hanging up his boots.

New England Revolution seems to be playing its cards right by initiating talks early. They know the clock’s ticking, Lucas Silva’s contract situation gives them a small window before other clubs jump in or Cruzeiro locks him down with a renewal. Still, convincing someone who’s openly expressed his love for Brazilian soccer isn’t exactly a walk in the park.