Bombshell: São Paulo sound out swap for Juventude midfielder | OneFootball

Even with a transfer ban imposed by FIFA and after reaching an agreement with left-back Iago, São Paulo has intensified its search in recent days for an attacking midfielder.

As AVANTE MEU TRICOLOR has learned, a signing for the position is a request from head coach Dorival Júnior, who is looking for an option to add more creativity and playmaking ability. With Lucas injured, only academy player Pedro Ferreira and Cauly are natural options for the role.

The report has already revealed that the Morumbi club has been in talks with Alanzinho, a product of rival Palmeiras who is currently a free agent after the end of his contract with Moreirense of Portugal.

But it seems this is not Tricolor’s only option…

The Morumbi club made an inquiry about signing Raí Silva from Juventude. The information was first reported by the page ‘Radar da Bola’ and confirmed to AMT by sources consulted within the club’s upper management.

São Paulo’s proposal involved the permanent transfer of goalkeeper Jandrei and left-back Patryck — both on loan at the Rio Grande do Sul side — as part of the deal.

Juventude’s board, however, rejected the terms offered and made it clear that they would only negotiate the player for a cash fee, as they consider him their main asset in the transfer market.

Raí Silva was one of Juventude’s standout players in the two matches that resulted in São Paulo’s elimination by them in the Copa do Brasil.

Born in Duque de Caxias (Rio de Janeiro state), Raí da Silva Pessanha is 24 years old and is valued at around 700,000 euros on the market (approximately R$ 4.3 million). The left-footed midfielder came through Botafogo’s youth ranks, joining the club at age 11 and making his professional debut there, with appearances in competitions such as the Copa Libertadores.

Before moving to the Serra Gaúcha region, the midfielder had loan spells at CRB, Boavista-RJ, and Volta Redonda.

At Volta Redonda, he played 31 matches and stood out in the 2025 Brazilian Serie B season, a performance that earned him a place in Juventude’s squad for the 2026 season, with a contract signed until the end of the year.

In the current season with the green-and-white side, the midfielder has made 23 appearances in the Campeonato Gaúcho, Copa do Brasil, and Brazilian Serie B, recording four goals and four assists.

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