Cauly on Rafinha chat and choosing São Paulo: "I needed a change" | OneFootball

The attacking midfielder Cauly was officially introduced as the new addition to São Paulo on Wednesday afternoon, during a press conference at SuperCT. The player received the jersey from the hands of the football executive Rui Costa, who praised the financial engineering done with Bahia to finalize the terms of the one-year loan. Rafinha, the new sporting manager of Tricolor, also directly participated in the negotiations and even spoke with the athlete.

“The conversation with Rafinha was very positive, he has all my respect. I faced him in Germany, I didn’t know that [laughs]. He’s a guy with a great history in football, it was a pleasure to meet him and I’m very grateful for his help. I will try to adapt as quickly as possible, there haven’t been many specific conversations yet, but I feel good. I want to help, and I hope to be able to play in the upcoming games because that’s my biggest desire,” stated the midfielder.

(Photo: Thais Bueno/Gazeta Press)

The loan agreement between São Paulo and Bahia was finalized for 50% of the athlete's rights, for 500 thousand euros, a value deducted from the debt of the Bahia club with the São Paulo team for the acquisitions of Rodrigo Nestor and Michel Araújo. The contract also includes an obligation to purchase an additional 25% of the rights for 600 thousand euros (approximately R$ 3.7 million) if the midfielder plays 40 matches while the contract is in effect.

“The feeling is one of great happiness, I want to thank God for the great opportunity, my family who has always supported me. They are not here with me yet, but they will be soon. I am very happy, very anxious to be able to play soon, to really start. It’s a very pleasant, very healthy environment, everyone welcomed me very well. I am very happy to be here, I feel fulfilled,” he celebrated.

Cauly explains choice for São Paulo

Cauly's name has always been high in the transfer market, especially because it’s a position that is often scarce in Brazilian football: a creative number 10. After a year with less playing time at Bahia, the player admitted he needed a change of scenery in his career.

In the current season, for example, Cauly had been training with Bahia but was no longer included in the squad from the moment he started negotiating with São Paulo. He played only two games in 2026.

“São Paulo is a club you don’t think twice about. From the first conversation, I always hoped it would work out, I needed this change, a new experience. I believe a lot in the group, in the group’s experience, it’s an honor to be part of this squad. I hope to achieve my goals and I hope I can write a beautiful story here,” the athlete evaluated.

Did Ceni influence the move to São Paulo?

Bahia’s coach, Rogério Ceni, lamented Cauly’s departure from Bahia in a recent press conference. When asked if the coach had any influence on his move to São Paulo, the attacking midfielder dodged the question.

“My departure from Bahia… I have to thank the São Paulo board, the presidency, Rafinha with whom I had contact, Rui [Costa], my agents, who were the people who worked to make this happen. I had a month and a half of a lot of anxiety, wanting it to happen soon, but it’s not always that easy. I wanted to thank them,” commented the athlete.

“Today, I am happy to be here. With Rogério [Ceni], I always had a very good relationship, he knows very well what is said when São Paulo calls you. I feel happy and proud to be here and I hope to wear this jersey very soon,” the athlete concluded.

Cauly's Career

Cauly's career began in Germany, at FC Köln. There, he played for three other clubs: Fortuna Düsseldorf, Duisburg, and Paderborn. Then, the midfielder moved to Ludogorets in Bulgaria, before being bought by Bahia in 2023.

Cauly had a great season in 2023 with Bahia. Since then, he has accumulated 174 appearances, with 23 goals and 24 assists. In 2026, the midfielder had been training normally with the Tricolor de Aço squad but was not being included in the games as he was not in Rogério Ceni’s plans.

This season, the midfielder played only twice with Bahia’s jersey, both in the Campeonato Baiano.

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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.