Mayke and Zé Rafael in Santos stand-off, pair continue to train apart | OneFootball

According to Diario Do Peixe, Santos face stand-offs over Mayke and Zé Rafael, who are training apart. Both are out of Cuca's plans and under contract until the end of 2027. Talks on exits are stalled.

Mayke's case is more delicate. The right-back needs surgery on his right knee for chronic pain, which the club deems necessary, but he refuses for now. Santos are pursuing a mutual termination, which he also rejects, leaving the matter unresolved.

Mayke joined permanently in July 2025 after leaving Palmeiras. Fitness issues curtailed his run of games. Since Cuca arrived he has lost his place to Igor Vinícius.

Zé Rafael's situation turns on finding an exit. Santos explored moves and potential swaps, but the midfielder rejected every option.

He wants to rescind his deal and keep his economic rights to choose his next club. If no agreement is reached, he is considering going to court to secure termination.

Signed from Palmeiras in February 2025 for 2.5 million euros, he has struggled with fitness, including back surgery and further injuries. In 2026 he has played only 12 matches, with one goal and one assist, then lost his place under Cuca.

Finances could also weigh on both cases. On Monday 20, the club reached three months of delayed image-rights payments to part of the squad, allowing players under Brazilian law to seek indirect termination if they choose. Meanwhile the team are in Venezuela to face Universidad Central on Tuesday 21 in the Copa Sudamericana play-offs first leg.

Source: Diario Do Peixe