São Paulo and Botafogo to discuss Ferraresi-Pablo Maia swap | OneFootball

The saga involving player swaps between Botafogo and São Paulo already has a set end date. The teams will meet in person along with some player agents to finalize what is already shaping up to be the most surprising and talked-about move of the current Brazilian football transfer window.

The topic became the most discussed over the weekend among São Paulo fans, mainly due to the possibility of losing two highly regarded players among the Tricolor supporters: defender Ferraresi and midfielder Pablo Maia.

Well, AVANTE MEU TRICOLOR has learned over the past few days that, regarding the Venezuelan, things are moving forward. The Morumbi club had already accepted Botafogo’s offer for a one-season loan with a purchase clause based on performance targets at the end of 2026.

The situation gets trickier when it comes to Pablo Maia.

The 23-year-old’s name came up on their end on Saturday afternoon (13), surprising São Paulo’s management. That’s because the General Severiano club had initially shown interest in another midfielder, Luan.

According to two sources from São Paulo’s football board, Botafogo’s initial contact was to buy Pablo Maia. The amounts were not disclosed. It was the Tricolor who took the initiative to suggest a player swap. The reasoning is obvious: the São Paulo team needs reinforcements. And they don’t have money. So it’s best to kill two birds with one stone.

The Botafogo side agreed to continue talks. But that’s when the problems started. São Paulo suggested three names: winger Savarino, midfielder Marlon Freitas, and right-back Vitinho. The Rio club countered by suggesting including midfielder Rodriguinho in the deal. But what seemed to be on track, soured…

Immediately, Savarino, a long-time dream of São Paulo since Rogério Ceni’s days as coach, refused to even talk to the Tricolor. On the other hand, Marlon Freitas, who had already been in talks with us, was vetoed by the Rio club, who are even negotiating a contract renewal with him.

To make matters worse, São Paulo wasn’t too excited about including Rodriguinho in the negotiation either.

São Paulo then added defender David Ricardo’s name. Once again, Botafogo vetoed, as they see the youngster as having potential to be sold to European football.

Botafogo then offered another name to São Paulo: Argentine forward Joaquín Correa, signed in July but rarely used. The name is appealing, but the salary is very high.

So, with more uncertainties than certainties and both sides unwilling to end negotiations, an in-person meeting was scheduled for Wednesday (17). Ferraresi’s and Pablo Maia’s agents will be there, perhaps to finally seal a deal with the Rio club. São Paulo hopes Vitinho’s representatives will also attend.

Until Wednesday, both clubs know speculation will run rampant in the press. And they promise not to provide any more information to journalists. The matter will be discussed face to face. And with the promise not to end the meeting until a deal is reached. And that at least one of the fan bases will have their much-desired Christmas gifts announced.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.