Santos trio train apart as club seek exits for players out of Cuca’s plans | OneFootball

Santos have moved centre-back Zé Ivaldo, right-back Mayke and midfielder Zé Rafael to separate training at CT Rei Pelé, with the trio outside Cuca’s plans as the club seek destinations.

Diario Do Peixe reports that the players can use the facility without fixed times to stay fit. Tomás Rincón had the same arrangement but has since agreed a termination.

Mayke and Zé Rafael are under contract to the end of 2027, Zé Ivaldo to 2028. All three can join Série A clubs as they have not reached 13 Brasileirão games, with tallies of five, three and five, respectively for Ivaldo, Mayke and Rafael.

Ivaldo arrived on loan from Cruzeiro in 2025 and was bought after a 60% appearance clause triggered, for US$ 1 million, around R$ 5.3 million then. He has endured mixed form and played 34 times last year, 12 this season.

Mayke joined from Palmeiras in July 2025 with no fee paid, Santos taking on a salary of about R$ 1 million per month plus bonuses. He has eight appearances in 2026 across Paulista, Brasileirão and the Sudamericana, and has a longstanding knee issue. Cuca said the player mentioned surgery, which has not happened as he awaits clarity on his future.

Zé Rafael cost R$ 15 million from Palmeiras in February 2025 after back surgery delayed his debut. He has 12 matches this year with one goal and one assist across Copa do Brasil, Sudamericana and the league, where he scored against São Paulo and assisted against Chapecoense.

Source: Diario Do Peixe