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, adding a player for the position is a request from coach Dorival Júnior, who is looking for an option to bring more creativity and playmaking ability. With Lucas injured, only academy player Pedro Ferreira and Cauly are natural options for the role.

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

But it seems he 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 in the team’s top management.

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

Juventude’s board, however, rejected the proposed terms and made it clear that it will only negotiate the player’s sale for a cash fee, as it considers him its main asset in the transfer market.

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

Born in Duque de Caxias (RJ), Raí da Silva Pessanha is 24 years old and is valued on the market at around €700,000 (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, while also appearing 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, a performance that earned him a place in Juventude’s squad for the 2026 season, with a contract signed through the end of the year.

So far this season for the green-and-white side, the midfielder has made 23 appearances across 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.