Santos chief sets condition to sign Michael, warns: "It's not easy at Vila" | OneFootball

Santos Football Executive Alexandre Mattos Talks About Interest in Michael from Flamengo

Without space at Flamengo, Michael is in negotiations with Santos. However, some details are preventing the striker from reaching an agreement with the Vila Belmiro club. When asked about the matter, the football executive of the São Paulo team, Alexandre Mattos, confirmed the club’s interest in signing the player, as long as it does not exceed the budget.

“If it fits within Santos’ budget, he’s a great player, has a solid résumé, and a strong mentality. It’s not easy to play at Vila. If it fits within Santos’ budget… We’re not going to be irresponsible and do everything at any price,” said Alexandre Mattos in an interview with ‘TNT Sports’.

WHAT IS HOLDING UP THE NEGOTIATION?

Michael has reached an agreement with Santos, but the striker will only leave Flamengo after receiving R$ 2 million. According to the player’s representatives, this amount corresponds to the remaining signing bonus from the contract signed with Mengão in 2024.

Since he came to Flamengo from Al Hilal (SAU) at no cost, Michael received R$ 28.8 million in signing bonuses, paid in installments. So, the player believes there is R$ 2 million left to complete the payment. On the other hand, the Rubro-Negro believes it does not need to pay the amount, since the player would be leaving the club before the end of his contract, which is valid until 2028.

HAS MICHAEL PLAYED IN 2026?

With few minutes in 2025, Michael is still waiting for an opportunity in 2026. This year, the striker did not come off the bench in the derbies against Vasco and Fluminense, for the Campeonato Carioca. In addition, the player was the subject of a curious response from coach Filipe Luís.

After Flamengo’s victory over Vasco last week, Filipe Luís said that the winger has been training very well as a defensive midfielder. However, the ‘experiment’ only happened due to the lack of players for that position at the moment. Saúl is recovering from surgery, and De La Cruz is receiving special treatment from the coaching staff and medical department.

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