João Paulo expected to compete with Brazão for Santos place after no offers | OneFootball

João Paulo is expected to remain at Santos and vie with Gabriel Brazão for the starting spot after his Bahia loan ended without a permanent move. Talks involving Corinthians and Botafogo did not advance, and he has been training at CT Rei Pelé.

According to Diario Do Peixe, he ruled out joining a rival out of respect for his history at Santos, while the club paused talks with the Rio side over outstanding payments on the John and Jair deals. With no other offers, the plan is for him to compete with Brazão.

He has moved his family back to the Baixada Santista and is prepared to compete for minutes. He is under contract until December 2027. Brazão’s situation remains uncertain, with a sale initially planned to raise funds but no attractive bids so far.

Club finances have been further strained by a FIFA transfer ban. João Paulo could step in if Brazão is sold. The international window opens on 20 and closes on 11 September, with an extraordinary domestic window set for 9 to 17 this month.

Brazão has already played more than 13 Brasileirão matches, so he cannot represent another Série A side this season.

He joined Bahia on loan in August last year with clauses, including a purchase obligation if targets were met, and even said goodbye on social media. He did not play in 2025, featured six times in the Baiano and twice in Série A this year, and has 237 games for Santos.

Source: Diario Do Peixe