Santos resist enquiries for Lautaro as director hails hard-working forward | OneFootball

Santos are unlikely to sanction Lautaro Diaz’s exit despite four enquiries from Série A rivals, none progressed as he remains in the club’s plans. According to Globo.com, football director Alexandre Mattos revealed the approaches.

Mattos considers the Argentine a squad balancer, a team-first player valued by Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s staff. He noted that selection is the coach’s call, but stressed Santos need his profile.

Diaz is on loan until mid-year, with the possibility to extend the deal to December. There is no obligation to buy from Cruzeiro based on targets, unlike with centre-back Zé Ivaldo.

Mattos accepted some fans feel the striker misses chances, yet argued he never hides and keeps working for the team. He said Santos need that style.

Santos have also released three signings who did not fit the project, centre-back Alexis Duarte and forwards Bilal Brahimi and Gustavo Caballero. None will remain in the squad.

Source: Globo.com