Alisson slips down pecking order, targets São Paulo comeback | OneFootball

Midfielder Alisson has been pushed to the ‘back of the line’ at São Paulo after his failed transfer to Corinthians. Targeted by criticism from the fans, the player returned to the Tricolor last week and is aiming to reestablish himself at the Morumbis club, but he won’t have an easy time — largely due to the negative reaction from supporters and the stiff competition in São Paulo’s midfield.

Alisson had everything set to reinforce Corinthians at the request of coach Dorival Júnior. In fact, he even visited the Dr. Joaquim Grava training center. However, after reaching an agreement with São Paulo, the Corinthians board reconsidered the deal and decided that the financial terms did not fit the club’s budget. As a result, the agreement between the clubs fell through.

Because of this, the midfielder was reintegrated into the São Paulo squad a week ago and has been training with the group ever since. However, during this period, the Tricolor played two matches, and Alisson was not included in the squad by the coaching staff for either of them. He was not even on the bench for either of the two derbies against Santos.

Coach Hernán Crespo admitted Alisson’s complex situation in the squad due to the transfer saga and the fierce competition in the team’s midfield. The number 25 is currently at the ‘back of the line’, but the coach expressed confidence in the player’s recovery.

Alisson, in fact, faces stiff competition in São Paulo’s midfield. The sector includes players like Marcos Antônio, Pablo Maia, Bobadilla, Luan, and Negrucci, and recently gained the addition of Danielzinho, who has already become an undisputed starter in the position.

It’s worth remembering that Crespo had already pointed out a path for Alisson to recover at São Paulo, even drawing a parallel with his own playing career, since he played for direct rivals in Italy (Inter Milan and AC Milan) and was well-liked at both clubs.

Alisson aims for reaffirmation

Very well-liked by the São Paulo squad, Alisson remains calm amid the situation. The midfielder has two main goals in this return to the club: to get back into contention for a place in the team and, at the same time, win back the Tricolor fans, who have been upset with him.

The player has been targeted by criticism from the São Paulo fans over the attempted move to their rival. Hours before the match against Flamengo at Morumbis for the Brasileirão, a banner was displayed in protest against him around Morumbis, reading: “Alisson, traitor, São Paulo doesn’t need you.”

Alisson knows he won’t have an easy task, but he intends to do everything within his power to win back the affection of the São Paulo fans. The player has been training normally with his teammates and is waiting for his first opportunity with Crespo’s coaching staff after the failed transfer.

The number 25, it’s worth noting, has played only one match this season. Crespo decided to leave him out of the squad for the games against São Bernardo, Corinthians, Portuguesa, and Palmeiras.

Remembering the ‘Alisson case’

Corinthians and São Paulo had agreed on a one-year loan for Alisson, but the Corinthians board backed out after re-evaluating the terms of the deal. The issue was not just the R$ 1 million up front that Timão would have to pay for the midfielder’s loan, but mainly the clauses in the deal. There was a R$ 1.5 million bonus if certain targets were met, and a R$ 2 million penalty if Alisson was included in the squad for matches against Tricolor. The purchase option was set at 2.5 million euros (R$ 15.5 million).

Additionally, it was a problem that the player could not be registered for the Campeonato Paulista, since he had already played for São Paulo in the state championship. The competition’s rules do not allow a player to represent two different teams in the same edition.

The Corinthians board even contacted Alisson to apologize after the failed negotiation with São Paulo, which viewed the deal favorably. The Corinthians club understood that the failed operation exposed the player, who became the target of criticism from the Tricolor fans.

According to Gazeta Esportiva, Timão’s football executive, Marcelo Paz, reached out to the player to apologize after negotiations ended. Alisson understood the situation and saw it as something ‘common in football’.

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