São Paulo eye striker playing in Japan to replace André Silva | OneFootball

Marcelo Ryan celebrates after scoring a goal for FC Tokyo (Instagram)

RAFAEL EMILIANO@rafaelemilianoo

São Paulo has identified Marcelo Ryan, a 23-year-old forward currently playing for FC Tokyo, as their target to replace André Silva, who suffered a severe injury and may not play again this season.

The information was initially revealed by the portal 'Gazeta Esportiva'. Sources from the São Paulo football management, consulted by AVANTE MEU TRICOLOR, indicated that the player's name was monitored by the club's scout, but the negotiation proved to be more complicated than expected.

The Tricolor is attempting a new loan deal for the striker, also until December, when his contract with Sagan ends. To the player's staff, they offer a productivity clause that would allow him to sign a permanent deal with the club starting next year.

The negotiation model is the same that brought Juan Dinenno to the club, whose contract with Cruzeiro was until the end of the year. The player meets the financial requirements of the negotiation for the Morumbi club, which is facing financial problems and has a spending cap for investments.

Once again, the Tricolor relies on the support of the player's staff to try to unlock the deal, which was initially rejected by the Asians. São Paulo has until next Tuesday (9/2) to finalize the arrival of reinforcements.

The name of the young Japanese football forward is somewhat discouraging to fans, who woke up on Wednesday (27) with the news that the Tricolor sought information to try to advance in the arrival of Marcos Leonardo, an evidently much more media-friendly option.

WHO IS MARCELO RYAN

Marcelo Ryan may be unknown to most Brazilian fans, but he has been gaining relative prominence in Japan, where he built his career.

The forward was sold in August 2022 by Bahia, the club that revealed him, where he alternated in his farewell season more games for the under-20 team than necessarily for the professional team.

At Yokohama FC, in the Japanese second division, Marcelo played 38 matches in his first year, scoring six goals and providing three assists.

His performance eventually motivated his sale to Sagan Tosu, and in 2024 the Brazilian continued to shine. In 33 matches, Marcelo scored 15 goals and provided two assists. Loaned to Tokyo FC, the forward has been playing regularly this season and has maintained a good relationship with the net.

Without him and two other options (Calleri and Ryan Francisco, who are also at Reffis), Hernán Crespo has for the attack, as a natural center-forward, his compatriot Dinneno, a name that came from Cruzeiro when the coach was Luis Zubeldía, who even recommended him to the Tricolor (a fact that may contribute to his low usage with the new coach).

Besides Dinneno, players can be improvised, such as wingers Ferreirinha and Tapia, as well as Luciano, who can perform roles like a false 9.

With a spending cap and budget limit, the Tricolor has difficulties going to the market for a name to strengthen its ranks. The option is for someone free in the market or who arrives on loan. Time is of the essence, as the transfer window closes on September 2.

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