Brazilian international Lucas Lima to join Barcelona in January

Barcelona's midfield will be getting a boost in January.

Brazilian international Lucas Lima, 26, says he will join the Blaugrana when his contract with Santos expires, telling ESPN Brasil his move to the Camp Nou is all set for the opening month of 2018.

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The crafty midfielder, who has 14 caps with the Selecao, is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with the La Liga behemoth on July 1. His current deal with the Brazilian side expires at the end of the calendar year.

ESPN reports Lima will ink a five-year contract worth €4 million per season before pulling on the iconic Barcelona shirt.

Lima's teammate Bruno Henrique also spoke openly about the transfer of his compatriot, saying: "We are happy for him, because of the player that he is. He's a player whose quality is not up for debate, a Brazil international. He's helped Santos a lot.

"He is going to be super happy at the team he goes to. We are going to miss him, but life goes on. We wish him a lot of luck in Barcelona."