São Paulo faz aposta ousada para segurar defesa em meio a saídas | OneFootball

São Paulo’s preparations for a pivotal stretch of the season have brought a series of notable updates both on and off the pitch, according to Arquibancada Tricolor.

Centre-back Alan Franco’s future was the subject of speculation in recent months, with his contract due to expire at the end of the year. The club has now moved to secure his services until 2028, resolving the matter just in time for the squad’s trip to Medellín ahead of a Copa Libertadores round of 16 tie with Atlético Nacional. This deal is a timely boost for São Paulo, providing continuity to a back line that will be tested in both domestic and continental action.

Lucas Ferreira, who was previously part of the squad, will not be among the traveling group for the first leg in Colombia. Ferreira has agreed a move to Shakhtar Donetsk, which comes amid a broader context of São Paulo needing to balance its books through player sales—a topic director Carlos Belmonte has addressed in recent weeks.

Defensive depth remains a priority amid this churn. São Paulo have communicated their interest in bringing back Rafael Tolói, the 34-year-old centre-back who spent a decade with Atalanta in Serie A after leaving São Paulo in 2015. Tolói is currently a free agent and, while there is interest from clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia, a return to his former club in Brazil has not been ruled out. Conversations with his representatives are still at an early stage, with no formal negotiations underway. The search for experienced, low-cost reinforcements follows the expiration of Ruan Tressoldi's loan from Sassuolo.

São Paulo have also made three changes to their squad list for the Libertadores knockout phase, in line with competition rules. These moves further highlight the need to adapt quickly as the campaign’s intensity ramps up.

Off the pitch, the club continues to navigate financial constraints. Plans to reach a surplus this season have led to ongoing adjustments in the wage bill and increased reliance on transfer activity. This approach, accelerated by recent high-profile departures and contract renewals, shapes the squad-building strategy for the remainder of the year.

The women’s side is also gearing up for a crucial fixture at MorumBIS, as they host Ferroviária in the second leg of the Brasileirão Feminino quarter-finals on Saturday.

With big matches on the horizon and significant roster changes underway, São Paulo’s leadership faces a balancing act: reinforcing the squad for decisive fixtures while maintaining financial discipline, all under the pressure of a demanding schedule.

(Information from Arquibancada Tricolor)

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