Official: SC Braga sign Lucas Piazon from Chelsea

Back in 2011, Lucas Piazon’s journey in Europe started with a transfer to Chelsea as a youth prospect. Nearly 10 years after his arrival, the now professional attacking midfielder has severed his ties with the Blues to begin anew with Portuguese club SC Braga in a permanent deal.

Unlike others that stayed in our “loan brigade” for several years, Piazon did get the chance to wear our colours as a first-team player. All of his three appearances for the Blues were made during the 2012-13 season, after helping the U18 squad lift the 2012 FA Youth Cup and being named Chelsea Young Player of the Year.

From January 2013, Lucas started his journey across several teams in Europe on loan deals. He was part of seven different clubs in Málaga (Spain), Vitesse (The Netherlands), Frankfurt (Germany), Reading, Fulham (England), Chievo (Italy) and Rio Ave (Portugal).

It is likely that his stint with Rio Ave was the factor behind Braga’s interest in Piazon, as he was a regular for a team that surpassed expectations last season by finishing fifth in Portugal’s Primeira Liga. His new team are considered the “fourth force” in the country, right behind Benfica, FC Porto and Sporting — which is reflected by their current fourth-place standing in the league, only behind the aforementioned trio of regional juggernauts.

Best of luck, Piazon! And may we meet again on a Tuesday/Wednesday night.