Santos move closer to signing Marco Di Cesare | OneFootball

Santos have stepped up their move for Argentine centre-back Marco Di Cesare, tabling a loan bid that includes a conditional buy clause.

According to Diario Do Peixe, the proposal to Racing is a US$ 750,000 loan, with a US$ 5 million permanent transfer triggered if he plays 10 games. Santos aim to acquire 75% of his economic rights and believe the deal could be wrapped up this week.

If Racing demand guarantees, Santos would pledge incoming television revenue instalments against the fee. Short of minutes in Avellaneda, Di Cesare is pushing to leave after Racing showed little enthusiasm for the first approach.

Head coach Vojvoda and his staff have approved the target. Di Cesare is viewed as a ball-playing, mobile defender suited to a higher defensive line, and he has been on Santos’s radar in previous windows.

Santos are working against the clock, needing to settle a debt with Arouca by 26 February to avoid a transfer ban. The Brazilian window closes on 3 March.

Born in Mendoza, the 24-year-old came through Andes Talleres before joining Argentinos Juniors in 2018, debuting professionally in 2020 and making 48 appearances, including the 2023 Libertadores, prior to moving to Racing. He helped win the Sudamericana in 2024 and was named in the team of the tournament, also lifting the Recopa Sudamericana at the start of last year. He has played more than 47 times for Racing to date and featured for Argentina’s youth sides, starting at the Under-23 Pre-Olympic and making the Paris 2024 Olympic squad.

Source: Diario Do Peixe