Santos leave Miguelito out of Corinthians derby amid contract renewal talks | OneFootball

Santos have left Miguelito out of the squad for Sunday’s derby with Corinthians at 16:00 at Vila Belmiro, matchday six of the Brasileirão. The club have opted not to select the attacking midfielder until his contract renewal is resolved.

According to Diario Do Peixe, his representatives questioned the decision after Santos also declined to release him for Bolivia’s friendly the same day. The club will free him from 20 March, a FIFA window, for a World Cup play-off.

On Friday, 06 March, his agent met club officials who outlined a plan. Days later his camp sent an offer, to which Santos replied with a figure well below expectations. He could also miss Internacional on Wednesday, 18 March, at Vila Belmiro.

Miguelito’s deal runs to 24 April 2027, which would allow him to sign a pre-contract in October.

He was the only returning loanee recalled to CT Rei Pelé and has been used by coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda. He featured in eight of nine Paulistão matches, assisting against Velo Clube, and has played in all four Brasileirão games so far.

An undisputed starter for Bolivia and among the top scorers in the qualifiers, he drew enquiries from abroad in the mid-year window. In January he was called for friendlies with Panama and Mexico, but Santos were not obliged to release him outside FIFA dates.

He has made 30 senior appearances for Santos since debuting in a 4-1 win over Juventude on 10 October 2022.

Source: Diario Do Peixe