Santos hope to have Christian Oliva available for Vasco clash after transfer ban setback | OneFootball

Santos are working to regularise Christian Oliva’s registration and hope to have him available against Vasco on Thursday 26 at Vila Belmiro.

According to Diario Do Peixe, FIFA brought forward a transfer ban due to a debt to Arouca arising from the signing of defender João Basso, around R$ 16 million, about €2.6 million.

Internally, the board had targeted 26 February to settle the amount. Funds are expected next week via an advance on the sale of left-back Souza to Tottenham, arranged with the support of a foreign bank.

Once the money lands, paying Arouca is the top priority to lift the ban and enable the registration of new players, including Oliva, for the remaining national competitions this season.

With the Paulistão registration window closed on Friday 20, Oliva cannot play in the state championship even if the matter is solved. He would be eligible only for the Brasileiro and the Copa do Brasil.

The Uruguayan is already training at CT Rei Pelé and is awaiting final paperwork before being officially announced and making his Santos debut.

Source: Diario Do Peixe