Santos close window with six signings as Lucas Veríssimo becomes priciest addition | OneFootball

Santos closed their first transfer window of the year on Tuesday, adding six signings across priority positions, with Lucas Veríssimo the final and most expensive arrival.

According to Globo.com, Santos will pay about R$ 25 million to Al Duhail of Qatar. The 30-year-old centre-back is expected to start, competing with Luan Peres, Adonís Frías and Zé Ivaldo. Alexis Duarte joined Libertad on loan before a serious right-knee injury.

The deal ended a weeks-long hunt for a defender as Juan Pablo Vojvoda pushes to keep two strong options per position.

Gabriel Menino arrived to replace Victor Hugo, who moved to Atlético-MG, and has two goals in 10 games. He is not yet a starter but is used frequently.

Uruguayan Cristian Oliva could only be announced after a transfer ban was lifted last week. Now eligible, he is expected to be named for the 10 March match against Mirassol. Aged 29, he featured in Italy and Spain in 2021-22.

Up front, headline recruit Gabigol arrived on a cut-price deal with Cruzeiro’s goodwill, with Santos covering under half of his wages. He has nine games and four goals, but tendinitis currently leaves him behind Thaciano up front.

Rony joined after lengthy talks with Atlético-MG and will vie with Moisés, signed from Fortaleza, and Barreal. Between four and 27 March Santos may still add players from state competitions, though the board are not expected to use it. The squad is considered ready for the Brasileirão, Copa do Brasil and Copa Sudamericana.

Source: Globo.com