São Paulo prepara dupla surpresa para reforçar defesa | OneFootball

São Paulo are moving actively in the transfer market, prioritizing reinforcements on both flanks of defense, according to Arquibancada Tricolor. Negotiations are progressing on two fronts: the pursuit of right back Mailton, currently on loan at Chapecoense, and the expected return of centre back Rafael Tolói to Morumbis.

The club has reached salary terms with Mailton's representatives and is now awaiting the response of Metalist, the Ukrainian club holding the player’s rights. Mailton, 27, has put in standout performances with Chapecoense in Série B, racking up six goals and three assists so far this season. His contract with Chapecoense is described as “unprotected,” which, according to the Arquibancada Tricolor report, would not impede a transfer should Metalist grant the necessary clearance.

Discussions with Metalist, however, have dragged due to reported slow responses from the Ukrainian side, a situation that has held up the process for approximately two weeks. Initially, Metalist demanded €1 million for Mailton, but São Paulo have countered with a proposal centred on a loan deal featuring a purchase option, which also takes into account an existing debt that Metalist owes São Paulo from the previous acquisition of Paulinho Bóia. FIFA had ordered Metalist in March 2024 to settle €620,000 in outstanding payments, a decision that has contributed to Metalist facing a transfer ban.

While Mailton had previously attracted interest from Grêmio, São Paulo now appear to be the frontrunner for his signature. The club’s technical staff view the addition of an attacking right back as a key piece to strengthen their depth for the campaign’s second half.

Meanwhile, the return of Rafael Tolói looks imminent. According to Arquibancada Tricolor, Tolói is on the verge of an official announcement and turned down an offer from Spanish football in order to rejoin São Paulo. The defender, who previously won the Copa Sudamericana with the side in 2012 and made 128 appearances between 2012 and 2015, will receive a monthly salary of R$ 500,000. Tolói has not featured competitively since playing 45 minutes for Atalanta on 4 May, but with his vast experience and previous success at Morumbis, he is anticipated to play a significant role upon his return.

Both moves underline São Paulo’s efforts to address key needs in defense while leveraging existing financial and contractual circumstances to secure targeted reinforcements. With talks continuing, the club will be hoping to finalize both deals in the coming weeks in preparation for a crucial phase of the season.