Brazilian Defender Sydney Lima Joins Partizan Belgrade on Loan

Brazilian defender Sydney Lima, who was a target for Israeli clubs Netanya and Bnei Sakhnin, is reportedly set to join Serbian club Partizan Belgrade. The 29-year-old center-back, currently captain of Portuguese side Santa Clara, is expected to arrive in Belgrade on Thursday for medical tests and officially become part of Sasha Ilic's squad.

Partizan will acquire Lima on loan, covering only his salary, with an option to purchase his contract for €500,000 next summer if they are satisfied with his performance. Lima has been with Santa Clara since the summer of 2023, playing 65 games in the Portuguese top division and scoring four goals and one assist. He is under contract until the summer of 2027, with an option for a two-year extension.

Lima's move to Partizan is described as a more 'glamorous' destination than the Israeli Premier League, according to Mozzart Sport, which reported the developing story. The deal is said to be heating up between the parties involved.