Santos back Cuca to lift squad amid cautious window | OneFootball

Santos are set to take a cautious line in the next window, backing Cuca to maximise the existing squad while the club works on its finances and scans for opportunities.

Executive Alexandre Mattos said: “Cuca gets the best out of his players, he can make them produce in different positions. We will prioritise the academy, we trust the squad, and any additions must be balanced and within what Santos can do”, speaking to Santos TV.

Since Cuca’s arrival, several players have taken on new roles and lifted their output. Benjamín Rollheiser has emerged as the chief creator in midfield, both during Neymar’s absence and alongside the number 10, delivering 27 appearances with four goals, three assists and 20 big chances created.

Gabriel Bontempo has earned a starting place and become important to Cuca’s structure. His off-ball work has improved and the coach is pushing him to influence attacks more. In 2026 he has played 25 matches, scored three, set up three and created 15 big chances.

Miguelito has been moved inside from the right to operate as a central playmaker, giving him greater freedom and a sustained run. That form contributed to a new deal to May 2029. This season he has 20 games and five direct goal contributions, goals and assists combined.

In his fourth spell, Cuca has overseen 19 matches, with six wins, eight draws and five defeats, a 45.6% return. Despite early swings in form, he met the board’s first half targets, lifting the club out of the Campeonato Brasileiro relegation zone and keeping the Peixe alive in the Copa do Brasil and Copa Sudamericana.

Source: Diario Do Peixe