Christian Oliva joins Santos after Nacional stint, contract to 2028 | OneFootball

Santos have signed Uruguayan midfielder Christian Oliva, 29, from Nacional on a deal to December 2028. According to Diario Do Peixe, the transfer is worth around 1.5 million dollars.

Raised in Ciudad del Plata, San José, near Montevideo, Oliva comes from a working-class family. His father’s factory wage covered travel and kit as the youngster pursued football.

He endured long daily commutes on three buses to train in the capital. Released by Nacional’s academy, he rebuilt at Bella Vista for about four and a half years, returned in 2016 and was promoted by Alexander Medina in 2018.

A move to Cagliari followed, then a loan at Valencia, before spells with Talleres and FC Juárez. He rejoined Nacional in January 2024 in an unusual deal, keeping 75% of his rights while the club held 25%.

A combative holding midfielder, he played 42 games in 2025, starting 40, scoring three and assisting three. He averaged 11.8 recoveries per 90 minutes and received 16 yellow cards, with 83% passing and 57% aerial success.

In this move, around 375 thousand dollars was initially due to Nacional, but Oliva waived roughly 125 thousand, lifting the club’s share to about 500 thousand.

Off the pitch, he has been with Micaella since adolescence, the couple welcomed their first daughter in January 2026.

Source: Diario Do Peixe