#4 Lucas Moura (January 2013)
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When Lucas Moura was making waves in South America, there were plenty of European clubs fighting for his signature. And eventually, it came down to Manchester United and Paris Saint-German and the then 20-year-old moved to the latter for over £30 million from Sao Paulo. As one of the biggest draws in South American football at the time, it would have been a massive move for both the player and the club but the Brazilian winger later revealed why he chose PSG over United.
“I was very close to coming to Manchester United before I signed for PSG,” Lucas said. “It was honestly my choice to join PSG. I have all the respect for Manchester United, a great club with more tradition than Paris Saint-Germain, but I really liked the project PSG showed me.
“There are several Brazilians in the PSG squad which made a difference in my decision too. You know, I was quite young and it does make a difference to have some compatriots beside you. It helped me to settle down in Europe."
Unfortunately for United, the South American contingent, or lack of it, was the main reason why they missed out on one of the most promising youngsters at the time.
