Without Loyola and with Michael in sight, Santos expected to give academy more space | OneFootball

Santos are expected to lean on their academy for the rest of this window, making fewer market moves. The plan is for Juan Pablo Vojvoda to use more Meninos da Vila and act only if opportunities arise, as with Gabigol and Gabriel Menino.

According to Globo.com, after failing to land Chilean midfielder Felipe Loyola, who left Independiente of Argentina for Pisa in Italy, Santos now have only Flamengo forward Michael on their radar.

The club are pursuing a loan for the 29-year-old, who is unlikely to have space at Flamengo in 2026. Flamengo would agree to a release if Michael settles salary terms with Santos, who are seeking a wage cut since his pay would make him the squad’s second highest earner behind Neymar.

Meanwhile, the Copinha cohort could see more first-team time, and some may be involved against Guarani on Sunday in the third round of the Paulistão. The club aim to speed up transitions partly due to finances, leaning on their academy to complete the squad.

In the Paulistão opener against Novorizontino, Vojvoda recalled midfielders Pepê Fermino and Gustavo Henrique plus forward Mateus Xavier. All three were named, with the latter two featuring.

Even so, the club are urging patience to avoid rushing steps. Left-back Souza is cited as the model, promoted in 2024 and only a starter in the second half of last year. He was recently sold to Tottenham for 15 million euros, with Santos retaining 87.5% and the player 12.5% of the fee.

Source: Globo.com