With Mayke out and no reinforcements, Cuca opens race for Igor Vinícius understudy | OneFootball

Santos lack depth at full-back and, with new signings dependent on fresh funds, Cuca will look in-house for right-back cover. According to Globo.com, there is only one option on each flank.

Igor Vinícius is first choice. Mayke challenged early on but struggled with fitness and form, then post-holiday was told he is not in the plans. A mutual termination is possible, despite a deal running to December 2027.

Football executive Alexandre Mattos has set the priority on the academy, with reinforcements only if new funds arrive. The message cooled hopes as the club focuses scarce resources on wages and image rights and risks another transfer ban.

Cuca will now assess internal options, some already tried. One is midfielder Gabriel Menino, previously called up by Tite as a right-back, who saw little time under Cuca after two right thigh injuries. If fully fit after the interseason, he could feature there.

Another is defensive midfielder Gustavo Henrique, a right-back in the academy who started there in the defeat to Deportivo Cuenca of Ecuador in their Copa Sudamericana opener. He also played the role in the loss to Flamengo after Zé Ivaldo went off in the second half.

A third candidate is forward Davizinho, 17, promoted by Cuca to the senior squad. His debut came at right-back in the defeat to Grêmio in the league.

Source: Globo.com