Lucas Perez and Alaves go their separate ways

In a new report by Spanish sports outlet As, it was revealed that Deportivo Alaves and Lucas Perez have decided to part ways.

Perez's contract was set to expire at the end of the 2021/2022 season, but the two parties decided it was best to break the relationship now. Alaves published a short statement on their website in this regard: "As Deportivo Alaves we thank Lucas for his commitment and work to reach the objectives set by the club and we wish him the best for the future". 

As to the reasons for this early exit, it is speculated that Perez and Alaves' management were on bad terms, after last season he was implicated in locker room disagreements with other teammates that could have impacted team chemistry. Also, it is believed that he was unhappy with management when in 2019, according to him, they blocked his possible transfer to Barcelona, who ended up choosing Braithwaite. Add to that the fact that he has been often injured and his performances on the pitch have been poor and you have a clearer picture on why the split happened.

As for the immediate future, it is rumored that Turkey's Fenerbahce and Besiktas are interested, in addition to Rayo Vallecano, but Perez would prefer to stay in Spain.