Santos plan World Cup break reshuffle as Mayke, Zé Ivaldo, Zé Rafael and Rincón face exits | OneFootball

Santos are preparing for a potential squad reshuffle during the World Cup break, with Mayke, Zé Ivaldo, Zé Rafael and Tomás Rincón among those who could depart.

According to Globo.com, the quartet have lost prominence under coach Cuca and are significant earners. The club have opened conversations over mid-year exits if offers arrive.

Santos have faced cash-flow issues and recently delayed player salaries. Cutting the wage bill is a priority for president Marcelo Teixeira in the final semester of his mandate.

Of the four, Zé Rafael has the clearest route out. The midfielder has not even been selected in the last four matches and, in the current scenario, the number six is unlikely to play for the club again.

Mayke, one of the highest-paid players, has been relegated to the bench and become a target for matchgoing fans. Zé Ivaldo, a purchase at the start of the year, has not featured since April, only returning to the squad after more than a month on Wednesday, and has been used once by Cuca.

Rincón could agree to end his contract, which runs until the end of the year, with arrears likely to be settled in any deal. Cuca has said reinforcements are needed to balance the squad, particularly if Santos stay alive in the Sudamericana and reach the pre-round of 16 play-offs.

Source: Globo.com