Santos await Souza sale funds to lift FIFA ban and pay Arouca | OneFootball

Santos are waiting on an advance from a foreign bank against the sale of left-back Souza to Tottenham, seeking to clear a debt to Arouca and lift a FIFA transfer ban imposed over the signing of João Basso.

According to Globo.com, Tottenham paid almost R$ 95 million, of which Santos receive 87.5%. More than R$ 82 million is allocated to squad upkeep and urgent needs, with removing the ban a priority. The financing carries interest of about 3%.

Uruguayan midfielder Cristian Oliva has already joined but could not be registered before the sanction. He continues to train at CT Rei Pelé, yet will miss the closing stage of the Campeonato Paulista and, for now, the Brasileirão.

Santos owe Arouca around R$ 15 million and were notified in January to settle promptly to avoid punishment. The club had planned to use incoming funds to complete payment.

Basso is among the last centre-back options, only ahead of Alexis Duarte, and both sit outside the coaching staff’s plans. They are expected to be replaced by a new defender once the ban is lifted. The club believes the arrangement will help put its finances in order quickly when the money is credited.

Source: Globo.com