Santos likely to have almost 60% of second-half squad from academy | OneFootball

According to Diario Do Peixe, Santos, unable to make signings because of a transfer ban linked to a debt to Monaco and without the funds to resolve it, are likely to have almost 60% of their second half of the year squad made up of academy players.

Of 33 players currently in the group, 19 are homegrown, 57%. That figure could rise to 59% with the likely exit of Lautaro Díaz, who is expected to be loaned by Cruzeiro to Racing in Argentina.

Santos beat União São João 3-0 in a friendly on Saturday, using many Meninos da Vila. After the match, head coach Cuca said he enjoys promoting young players and reviving careers, and that recent circumstances have pushed the club towards its academy.

He noted there have been five departures and no arrivals, that the squad was already short, and that the youngsters impressed as the second half improved on the first, which gave everyone a lift.

The current homegrown contingent includes Diógenes, João Pedro, Lucas Veríssimo, João Alencar, João Ananias, Igor Vinícius, Davizinho, Vinícius Lira, Gabriel Bontempo, Gustavo Henrique, Samuel Pierri, Pepê Fermino, Profeta, Miguelito, Neymar, Gabriel Barbosa, Juninho, Matheus Xavier and Vinícius Fabri.

Source: Diario Do Peixe