Santos in talks for Lima, but R$ 12 million FIFA ban stalls signings | OneFootball

Santos are in talks over an immediate move for midfielder Lima, recently loaned by Fluminense to América in Mexico, but a FIFA registration ban linked to a R$ 12 million debt to Monaco over Jean Lucas stands in the way.

According to Globo.com, Santos cannot register new players until the debt is cleared, and the club is acting cautiously because funds are tight and settling it would hit monthly cash flow, including salaries.

The plan is to pay only when a reinforcement who would compete for a starting place is lined up. Lima fits that brief, having fallen out of favour at América and open to a move.

A deal for Gastón Martirena of Racing was close. The 26-year-old right-back had been expected in Brazil for a temporary swap with defender Adonis Frías, but an offer from Atlas of Mexico for Frías changed the course of talks.

Lima joined América on loan in February with a contract to December and a purchase option, but he has played only four times this season. He arrived at the request of Brazilian coach André Jardine, who left the club in June.

Under a new coach he lost his place and had his contract terminated. Now a free agent, he has interest from Santos, other Brazilian sides and Russia, and he is in the country while he decides his future.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”