It's deadly serious - and it's official: Joker joins Paris for $22 million

Brazilian central defender Lucas Beraldo, known as 'The Joker' for his habit of laughing shortly before matches, signed for French champions Paris Saint Germain on Monday.

The 20-year-old signed a five year contract with PSG, ending a three-year stay at Sao Paulo with whom he won the 2023 Copa do Brasil.

Beraldo, who says laughing prior to kick-off is part of his mental preparation, said joining PSG is a huge step for his career.

"I am very happy to sign for a club as ambitious as Paris Saint-Germain. This is an important stage of my career, which will permit me to progress. I am eager to get to know my teammates and to take my first steps with the PSG shirt on my back."

Beraldo is according to a source close to the club, emblematic of the type of player PSG are seeking now as they change tack from their previous strategy of signing superstars such as Lionel Messi and Neymar. His move cost PSG around $22 million.

After playing for Uniao Barbarense and XV de Piracicaba in the state of Sao Paulo, Lucas Beraldo joined Sao Paulo FC in 2020 and quickly established himself as a crucial player in the club's U17 team. The Piracicaba-born player progressed through the ranks and made his professional debut on May 26, 2022, during a 1-0 victory against Peru's Ayacucho in the Copa Sudamericana. A few weeks later, on 11 June 2022, he marked his first appearance for Brazil's U20 national team with a win against Ecuador (4-1). The young central defender was then 18 years old.

With his technical ease and above-average passing quality, the left-footer truly stepped up in 2023. Established as a regular starter in Sao Paulo FC's senior team, Beraldo became a key player in the Brazilian championship. At just 20 years old, he has already amassed 52 appearances at the highest level, scoring one goal. He also secured the first trophy of his young career in September 2023 by winning the Copa do Brasil against Flamengo, marking Sao Paulo's first victory in the tournament's history.

The source said they are targeting young team players, who are not 'bling bling', and will sign long-term contracts with lower salaries which can be re-evaluated later.