Santos chief sets budget condition for Michael deal and warns playing at Vila is not easy | OneFootball

Santos football director Alexandre Mattos says the club are interested in Flamengo winger Michael, but any move must fit the budget. Negotiations are active, with details still preventing an agreement.

“If it fits Santos’ budget, he is a great player, he has a track record and a strong mentality. It is not easy to play at the Vila. We will not be irresponsible, doing anything at any price,” he told TNT Sports.

Michael has an agreement with Santos, but he will only leave Flamengo after receiving R$ two million, an amount his representatives say is the remaining portion of a signing-on fee from a 2024 contract.

Having rejoined from Al Hilal at no transfer cost, he received R$ 28.8 million in signing-on fees, paid in instalments. He believes R$ two million is still due, while Flamengo consider they do not owe it because he would depart before his deal runs until 2028.

On the pitch, he has had limited minutes and stayed on the bench for the Campeonato Carioca derbies against Vasco and Fluminense. After the win over Vasco last week, coach Filipe Luís said the winger had been training very well as a holding midfielder, a stopgap due to shortages in that role. Saúl is recovering from surgery and De La Cruz is on a tailored workload with the staff and medical team.

Source: Coluna Do Fla