Santos agree settlement with Thiago Maia over 2017 transfer debt | OneFootball

Santos have finalised an agreement to settle a long-running debt owed to Thiago Maia dating back to 2017. According to ESPN, the club will pay about R$ 23 million directly to the midfielder.

The dispute began during Modesto Roma Júnior's presidency after Maia's move to Lille in July 2017. Santos received approximately 14 million euros, about R$ 60 million at the time, but did not pass on the 30% due under contract.

The share owed to the player was around R$ 18 million. After failed attempts at agreement, he took the case to court, which concluded in August 2025 under seal.

Throughout the process, Maia received only image rights and labour-related payments, not his transfer entitlement. In late 2025, under Marcelo Teixeira, Santos proposed paying in instalments via his representative.

The court ratified the deal and the club is following the agreed schedule. Before the settlement, Teixeira explored signing Maia, now at Internacional, while renegotiating the debt, but talks went nowhere.

Source: Diario Do Peixe