Former Premier League defender Alan Hutton has delivered his verdict on the contract situation surrounding Tottenham Hotspur star Lucas Moura.
The lowdown: Uncertain future
Signed from Paris Saint-Germain for £23m (BBC), the Brazilian has directly contributed to 65 goals in 201 outings for the Lilywhites to date and signed a new five-year deal with the club in 2019 (Sky Sports).
However, despite featuring 25 times under Antonio Conte last season, and a report that claiming there would be no exit this summer, the 29-year-old appeared to have an uncertain future in N17 following the arrival and subsequent impact of Dejan Kulusevski.
Add to that the summer capture of Richarlison, and Moura has certainly fallen down the pecking order at Hotspur Way, leading to doubts as to whether there would be a contract extension forthcoming in north London.
The latest: 'It’s a difficult one'
Speaking to Football Insider, ex-Spurs right-back Hutton suggested that the 35-cap Brazil ace could struggle to earn a new deal at Tottenham.
The BBC Sport contributor said: “It’s a difficult one. Everybody wants to be tied down to a long-term contract, you want that stability, you want to know where you’re at so you can just concentrate solely on your football.
“As it ticks down and you’re not having conversations with the club, you start to fee a little bit unwanted. Especially if you’re not playing because ultimately that is what you want to be there doing.
“Of course it will play a part in his performances next season. They’re already so stacked in the forward positions so it’ll be a difficult one.”
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The verdict: Healthy competition
Competition for places has been severely lacking in the attacking department under previous regimes, something that Conte and Fabio Paratici appear steadfast in trying to take to the next level during this summer transfer window.
As things stand, along with Moura, the Lilywhites currently have Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, Richarlison, Kulusevski and Bryan Gil available as forward options, potentially leaving the Brazilian fifth in line once the latter completes a reported loan departure to Sampdoria.
Last season, the man hailed for his 'unbelievable' aerial ability by Ledley King made 19 starts and 15 outings from the bench in the Premier League, proof of his new-found role as more of an impact player rather than a prominent first-team starter.
Nonetheless, despite this seemingly reduced influence, Moura ended the 2021/22 campaign with 14 direct goal contributions across all competitions and was the most effective dribbler in the Spurs' ranks, completing 1.6 successful dribbles per game.
Unlikely to be sold this summer, the £18m-valued star will no doubt be hoping to earn a new contract with further impressive displays when called upon next term.