Check out three signings that paid off for Santos in 2025 | OneFootball

Santos Santos was very active in the transfer market in 2025. The Alvinegro Praiano made 20 signings during the two transfer windows that shook up the season. While some names did not live up to expectations and left much to be desired, others ended up as standouts and made a difference at various moments throughout the year. With that in mind, Gazeta Esportiva selected three players signed by Peixe who proved to be successful.

Neymar

Despite struggling with four injuries this season, Neymar was still one of Santos' best signings for 2025, both on and off the pitch. The star's return brought immediate media attention to Peixe, who knew how to make the most of the superstar's image. In addition, the number 10 was decisive for the club at the right moment.

In this final stretch of the year, Neymar suffered a meniscus injury in his left knee. Even so, he decided to play through the pain in the final rounds to help keep Santos in Série A — and he succeeded. The attacking midfielder showed his ability to make a difference and was fundamental for Peixe's survival. He contributed five goals and one assist in the last four rounds, including a hat-trick against Juventude.

It's understandable that some Santos fans are frustrated with Neymar's season, since the player took part in fewer than 30 matches this year. However, there is no denying the impact of the number 10 on the field. Even playing in less than half of the team's matches, he finished 2025 as the team's second top scorer, with 11 goals, and also provided four assists.

Neymar's numbers for the season:

(Photo: Raul Baretta/ Santos FC)

Willian Arão

Willian Arão went from uncertainty to being a pillar for Santos in a short period of time. Signed in July this year, the midfielder began his time at the club in a turbulent way and his future was even in doubt. Right after his first game, he was diagnosed with a right calf injury and had to stay off the field for almost three months, returning only at the end of September.

Arão, however, was reborn after recovering from the injury, going from a ‘problem’ to a solution and establishing himself as a key piece of the team in this final stretch of the season. The number 15 returned from injury in the derby against Corinthians and, after regaining his rhythm, secured a spot in the starting lineup. Since then, he has consolidated his place and hasn't left the starting eleven. His versatility in playing as a midfielder or center-back was also fundamental for Vojvoda.

The coach tested Arão as a center-back in two ‘trial by fire’ matches this season: against Palmeiras and Flamengo, showing himself to be a ‘joker’ on the field. Thus, despite the few games since his arrival, the midfielder can be considered one of Santos' best signings, not only for this season but also for the next. He is under contract until the end of 2026.

Arão's numbers for the season:

(Photo: Raul Baretta/ Santos FC)

Barreal

Álvaro Barreal stood out individually and had the best year of his career in terms of numbers. Top scorer for Santos in the Brasileirão, the Argentine scored nine goals and provided one assist in 34 matches in the competition, in addition to totaling nine goals and one assist in 37 games over the season. He also joined the list of the greatest foreign scorers in Peixe's history.

Versatile, he played in different attacking roles and was decisive in important games, such as the matches against Internacional and Corinthians — even surpassing his previous numbers at FC Cincinnati. Not surprisingly, he met the targets set in his contract and forced Santos to buy him outright, in a deal announced by the American club last Wednesday.

Barreal's numbers for the season:

(Photo: Raul Baretta/ Santos FC)

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