Celtic Land Highly‑Rated Brazilian Midfielder Lucca Prior in €34M Deal
GLASGOW – Celtic FC have won the intense race to sign Brazilian attacking midfielder Lucca Prior from Fortaleza Esporte Clube, agreeing a reported €34 million transfer fee and securing the 22‑year‑old on a five‑year contract. The move was confirmed following final negotiations, with formal public announcement scheduled once all administrative and regulatory checks are fully completed. Celtic saw off fierce late interest from Scottish Premiership rivals Rangers FC and English Premier League side West Ham United to land one of South America’s most coveted emerging creative talents.
Prior’s football journey began in the youth system of Athletico‑Paranaense before he moved to Fortaleza, progressing steadily through the U‑20 and U‑23 ranks to sign his first senior professional terms in 2025. That breakthrough year brought consistent first‑team minutes across national competitions: he registered one goal in Campeonato Brasileiro Série B action and added two more strikes during the 2025 Série A campaign, while also gaining valuable continental exposure with three appearances in the Copa Libertadores. Operating primarily as an attacking midfielder, he blends nimble close control, sharp passing range, and intelligent movement between the lines — qualities that marked him out as a priority target for Celtic’s technical and recruitment teams.
“Lucca represents exactly the profile we seek: young, ambitious, technically gifted, and already tested at high‑level club and international competition,” a Celtic spokesperson stated. “Beating strong competition from major clubs across Britain underlines both the quality of the player and the standing of our project. We believe he has all the attributes to adapt quickly to the intensity of Scottish football and contribute immediately in domestic and European fixtures.”
For Fortaleza, the fee stands as one of the largest sales in the club’s history, providing significant funds for squad reinforcement and infrastructure investment. Prior will become the latest Brazilian talent to join the Glasgow side’s ranks, following a well‑established recruitment strategy that has repeatedly unlocked high‑value additions from South American markets. He is set to travel to Scotland shortly to complete his medical and begin integration into the first‑team group ahead of pre‑season preparations.
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