Santos under pressure to replace starters as Michael talks advance in Campeonato Paulista | OneFootball

Santos are facing a critical window, restricted by finances and criticised past deals, as they race to replace departed starters with the Campeonato Paulista already under way. According to Globo.com, talks over Flamengo winger Michael are the most advanced as the club seeks immediate solutions.

The initial plan had been to revive Bilal Brahimi and hand more minutes to centre-back Alexis Duarte, but last year's struggles have persisted. External and internal pressure has risen, and neither has featured this year.

Past misfires, notably Brahimi, have amplified the need to recruit, compounded by the exits of Vojvoda's starters Guilherme and full-back Souza. Neither has been replaced.

Filling Guilherme's role is regarded as the priority. The board tried to buy Rony from Atlético-MG and made enquiries for Hinestroza at Atlético Nacional and Vitinho at Internacional, while pursuing Michael at Flamengo. The club are waiting for the winger to settle matters with his current side.

Souza's replacement is more about profile than numbers. He had established himself last year ahead of Escobar, who is currently in poor form, so academy full-back Vini Lira has stepped in.

Directors will evaluate Lira's displays before deciding whether to return to market. For now he is the starter, with Escobar among the substitutes.

Santos also want a midfielder, but after a failed push for Loyola with Independiente, a swift deal looks unlikely. They host Corinthians at Vila Belmiro on Thursday at 19:30 Brasília time in the fourth round.

Source: Globo.com