Gabriel Menino embraces right-back switch at Santos, eyes Brazil recall | OneFootball

Gabriel Menino has embraced a move to right-back at Santos, a switch he feels could revive hopes of a Brazil recall.

According to Diario Do Peixe, the number 25 had played in midfield since arriving early 2026, but Cuca redeployed him on the right after the World Cup break.

In the 4-1 win over Universidad Central in the Copa Sudamericana, Menino helped create the opener then scored Santos' second. After the match he said he had spoken with Cuca and is committed to developing in the role.

He accepts there is plenty to improve after years in midfield, but thinks a route back to Brazil could be at right-back. He wants to be an option for Carlo Ancelotti and for Santos in that position.

Right-back is not new to Menino. At Palmeiras he featured there and was called up by Brazil in that role. Later he returned to midfield, lost minutes and joined Atlético-MG, where he again played centrally.

After the win in Venezuela, Cuca praised his display and noted one late decision when he might have found Rony. He stressed Menino’s versatility, saying he should not be restricted to a single role and is regaining confidence for decisive fixtures.

Menino has 17 appearances and three goals for Santos this season. The 25-year-old is on loan from Atlético-MG until the end of 2026, with his parent deal running to 2028. Santos hold an option to buy for five million euros, roughly R$31 million.

Source: Diario Do Peixe