Urgent: São Paulo gazump Inter, sign Bahia full-back for Enzo Díaz | OneFootball

São Paulo is close to announcing the signing of 29-year-old left-back Iago.

The player, who belongs to Bahia and had been negotiating a return to Internacional — the club where he came through the ranks — chose the Tricolor project after the São Paulo board presented an offer with higher wages than those offered by the club from Rio Grande do Sul.

With negotiations well advanced, the player is expected to arrive at Morumbi on loan until the end of 2026. Only the final bureaucratic adjustments and medical examinations remain before the deal is officially completed.

Reasons for Leaving Bahia and Loss of Space

Iago’s search for a fresh start is due to his loss of space in the squad managed by Rogério Ceni. Signed by Bahia in mid-2024 on a long-term contract (valid until the end of 2028), the defender was unable to establish himself as the undisputed starter in the position.

The emergence of Luciano Juba and the coaching staff’s tactical options reduced the full-back’s opportunities in the first team.

In the current 2026 season, Iago has made only 11 appearances, scoring one goal and providing one assist. Given his backup role, the player’s camp and Bahia’s board agreed that a loan move would be the best option for him to regain regular playing time.

Career Path

A product of Internacional’s youth academy in 2017, Iago stood out in Brazilian football before being transferred to Germany’s Augsburg in 2019. In European football, he built a solid career over five Bundesliga seasons, where he made more than 100 official appearances and became known for his build-up play and defensive support.

In July 2024, he was brought back to Brazil by City Football Group to play for the Esquadrão de Aço. Overall, wearing the Bahia shirt, the full-back played 56 matches, scored four goals, provided four assists, and won the Campeonato Baiano and the Copa do Nordeste.

Solution for the Defensive Unit

São Paulo’s move addresses an immediate need in the squad managed by Dorival Júnior. The left side of defense is undergoing restructuring because of the current instability and the likely departure of Argentine Enzo Díaz, who has drawn interest from clubs abroad.

Iago emerges as a player with international experience, ready to compete for a starting spot immediately.

Enzo has one foot out of Tricolor after an internal controversy came to light through complaints from the player’s camp over delayed salary payments. On top of that, the coaching staff is said to have noticed a drop in his commitment in training.

As AVANTE MEU TRICOLOR revealed, Talleres of Argentina and Charlotte FC of the United States are considering signing left-back Enzo Díaz on loan. With the transfer window open, the Argentine’s stay at São Paulo is no longer guaranteed, and his camp is already seeking alternatives after the player lost space under coach Dorival Júnior.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.