São Paulo finalized the transfer of 19-year-old striker Lucas Ferreira to Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukraine, in a deal announced on August 16, 2025, for 10 million euros ($63 million). The agreement, involving 80% of the player’s economic rights, reflects the club’s strategy to ease its financial crisis, worsened by a debt exceeding $968 million. Lucas, a product of São Paulo’s Cotia youth academy, signed a contract until June 2030 with the Ukrainian club, where he will have the chance to shine in European football. The deal includes a 2-million-euro bonus ($12 million) if Shakhtar qualifies for the next Champions League and 10% of any future sale of the player. The departure of the young star, who lost space under coach Hernán Crespo, sparked debates among fans about the transfer’s value.
The transfer marks a new chapter for Lucas Ferreira, who stood out in São Paulo’s youth ranks, winning the Under-20 Copa do Brasil in 2024 and the Copinha in 2025. Promoted to the senior team by Luis Zubeldía, he played 23 matches, scoring one goal and providing one assist, but saw his opportunities dwindle under Crespo. The move to Shakhtar, known for investing in South American talents, could be a chance for the player to gain more playing time.
- Deal: 10 million euros fixed, with a 2-million-euro bonus.
- Economic rights: São Paulo holds 80%, Boavista-RJ 20%.
- Future: 10% profit on any subsequent transfer of the player.
- Performance: Lucas played 23 matches, with one goal and one assist.
Lucas Ferreira’s journey
Lucas Ferreira began his career at Americano-RJ, moved through the youth setups of Flamengo and Boavista, and joined São Paulo in 2021. His rise in the Tricolor’s academy was swift, with a standout performance in the 2025 Copinha, leading the under-20 team to the title. Promoted to the senior squad, he debuted against Botafogo-SP in January 2025, showcasing speed and skill. In 23 matches, he scored against Libertad in the Libertadores and assisted against Náutico in the Copa do Brasil. Under Zubeldía, the striker gained prominence, but Crespo’s arrival limited him to just one appearance.
Having renewed his contract with São Paulo until 2029 in May 2025, Lucas was seen as a valuable asset in the transfer market. Clubs like Cruzeiro and Olympiacos also showed interest, but Shakhtar secured the deal. São Paulo’s decision to prioritize a foreign sale reflects its urgent need for funds, especially after an early Copa do Brasil exit cost the club $4.7 million in prize money.
São Paulo’s financial strategy
The sale of Lucas Ferreira is part of São Paulo’s efforts to balance its finances. The club, which made no signings through transfers in 2025, relies on player sales to reduce its debt. Football director Carlos Belmonte emphasized the need for a surplus by year-end, suggesting more departures may follow. The Shakhtar deal will net São Paulo 8 million euros ($50.5 million), with the remaining 20% going to Boavista-RJ.
- Debt: São Paulo faces debts exceeding $968 million.
- Strategy: Selling assets to achieve financial surplus.
- Cotia academy: Continued investment in youth development.
- Squad impact: Need for reinforcements in the attack.
The club plans to use the funds to strengthen the squad and reduce debts, maintaining its focus on the Cotia academy as a talent pipeline. Lucas’s exit, while easing financial strain, raises questions about São Paulo’s ability to retain prospects amid its economic challenges.
New chapter at Shakhtar Donetsk
At Shakhtar, Lucas Ferreira will join a squad with a strong Brazilian contingent, including players like Pedrinho, Marlon Gomes, and Eguinaldo. The Ukrainian club has a history of signing young South Americans, such as Fernandinho and Willian, who later excelled in Europe. Under coach Arda Turan, Lucas is viewed as a potential replacement for Kevin, a former Palmeiras player attracting interest from European clubs.
The five-year contract, until June 2030, gives Lucas the opportunity to establish himself in European football. The player, who dreams of playing in leagues like Spain and England, will likely get more game time in Ukraine. A clause allowing a one-year contract extension if targets are met underscores Shakhtar’s confidence in his potential.
- Brazilian squad: Lucas joins ten other compatriots at Shakhtar.
- Opportunity: More playing time to develop his game.
- Goals: Contribute to Champions League qualification.
Reactions and expectations
The transfer sparked mixed reactions among São Paulo fans. Some regret selling a promising talent for a perceived low fee, while others see it as necessary for financial stability. On social media, supporters expressed encouragement for the young player but criticized the board for failing to retain talents. At Shakhtar, expectations are high that Lucas will follow in the footsteps of other Brazilians who shone at the club, like Douglas Costa.
The deal also reflects Shakhtar’s business model of signing young players for future resale to bigger leagues. For Lucas, the move is both a challenge and an opportunity to grow in a demanding market. His adaptation to Ukrainian football will be closely watched by fans and analysts.
Transfer market landscape
Lucas Ferreira’s sale is São Paulo’s fifth transfer in 2025, totaling 28.7 million euros. Facing financial constraints, the club has not signed players through purchases this year, focusing on promoting youth talents. While necessary, this strategy highlights the challenge of competing with European clubs offering substantial sums for young prospects.
- Transfers: São Paulo completed five sales in 2025.
- Competition: Cruzeiro and Olympiacos also pursued Lucas.
- Shakhtar’s model: Investing in youth for future resale.
The transfer market remains active, with Brazilian clubs under pressure to sell prospects to balance their books. Lucas’s departure underscores the importance of São Paulo’s Cotia academy but also highlights the challenges of maintaining a competitive squad amid financial struggles.
Future in European football
For Lucas Ferreira, the move to Shakhtar is a gateway to European football. The Ukrainian club, which competes in continental tournaments, provides an ideal setting for young players to develop. The presence of Brazilians in the squad may ease his transition, while Arda Turan’s experience as a former star player adds value to the project.
Known for his speed and skill, the striker has the chance to shine in a less high-profile league that serves as a stepping stone to bigger clubs. The 10% clause on a future sale ensures São Paulo benefits if Lucas achieves greater heights, as seen with other Tricolor academy graduates.
- Goal: Establish himself in Europe and attract major clubs.
- Adaptation: Brazilian teammates may aid integration.
- Potential: Speed and skill as key assets at his new club.
Lucas Ferreira’s journey at Shakhtar will test his ability to adapt to a new country and playing style. For São Paulo, the sale provides financial relief but serves as a reminder of the challenges of competing globally without robust financial planning.
