Calleri stays! Agrees São Paulo renewal, but with performance target | OneFootball

São Paulo took a major step this Saturday (1) toward renewing Argentine striker Calleri’s contract after reaching a verbal agreement with their top scorer.

To unlock the negotiations and secure his stay at Morumbi, the Tricolor’s No. 9 agreed to ease his financial demands and adjust his salary expectations to the club’s worrying reality, as first reported by UOL and confirmed by AVANTE MEU TRICOLOR.

Now, the parties are only waiting for the exchange and review of documents before formally signing the new deal, which will run through December 2028.

Clauses and performance targets

The new contract will also include a clause for automatic renewal through the end of 2029, tied to the player’s performance. For the extension to take effect, Calleri will need to play at least 45 minutes in at least 60% of São Paulo’s matches during the 2028 season.

Behind the scenes: Calleri stood firm

As AMT had already reported, the positive outcome of the talks came after the striker himself lowered his salary demands. Previously, negotiations had stalled: the center-forward rejected an initial offer made during Rui Costa’s tenure and considered the second proposal, later put forward by the interim board, insufficient.

Despite having two pre-contract offers from clubs abroad, Calleri prioritized staying with Tricolor and stood firm with his agents until reaching a consensus with the club’s leadership.

The team’s top scorer in 2026 with 12 goals, the Argentine was under contract only until the end of this year, which left him free to sign a pre-contract with any foreign club. São Paulo is expected to officially announce Calleri’s renewal in the coming days.

Leadership and history with Tricolor

At 32, Calleri is internally regarded as one of the squad’s main leaders and has a strong connection with the fans. However, his age led the board to adopt a cautious budgetary stance in talks over a long-term deal.

In his second spell at Morumbi — the first came in 2016 —, the striker is in his sixth straight season with the club. The Argentine has made 260 appearances, scored 91 goals, provided 30 assists, and won the 2023 Copa do Brasil and the 2024 Supercopa Rei.

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