São Paulo and Botafogo to discuss Ferraresi, Pablo Maia swap | OneFootball

The saga involving the player swap between Botafogo and São Paulo already has an end date. The teams will meet in person along with some player agents to finalize what is already shaping up to be the most surprising and talked-about move of the current Brazilian football transfer window.

The topic became the most talked about over the weekend among São Paulo fans, mainly due to the possible departure of two highly regarded players among the Tricolor supporters: defender Ferraresi and midfielder Pablo Maia.

Well, AVANTE MEU TRICOLOR has learned over the past few days that, regarding the Venezuelan, things are moving forward. The Morumbi club had already accepted Botafogo’s offer of a one-season loan with a purchase clause based on performance goals at the end of 2026.

The situation gets trickier when it comes to Pablo Maia.

The 23-year-old’s name was brought up by Botafogo on Saturday afternoon (13), surprising São Paulo’s management. That’s because the club from General Severiano had initially shown interest in another midfielder, Luan.

According to two sources within São Paulo’s football board, Botafogo’s initial contact was to buy Pablo Maia. The amounts were not disclosed. It was São Paulo that took the initiative to suggest a player swap. The reasoning is obvious: the São Paulo team needs reinforcements. And they don’t have money. So the best option is to kill two birds with one stone.

Botafogo agreed to move forward with the talks. But that’s when the problems began. São Paulo suggested three names: winger Savarino, midfielder Marlon Freitas, and right-back Vitinho. The Cariocas countered by suggesting including midfielder Rodriguinho in the deal. But what seemed to be on track, soured…

Immediately, Savarino, a long-time dream of São Paulo since Rogério Ceni’s days as coach, refused to talk to the Tricolor. On the other hand, Marlon Freitas, another player who had previously negotiated with São Paulo, was vetoed by Botafogo, who are even negotiating his contract renewal.

To make matters worse, São Paulo was also not very enthusiastic about including Rodriguinho in the deal.

São Paulo then included the name of defender David Ricardo. Once again, Botafogo vetoed the proposal, as they see the young player as having potential to be sold to European football.

Botafogo then offered another name to São Paulo: Argentine forward Joaquín Correa, signed in July but rarely used. The name is appealing, but the salary is very high.

So, with more uncertainties than certainties and both sides unwilling to end negotiations, an in-person meeting was scheduled for Wednesday (17). The agents of Ferraresi and Pablo Maia will be there, perhaps to finally seal a contract with the Carioca club. São Paulo hopes that Vitinho’s representatives will also be present.

Until Wednesday, both clubs know that speculation will run rampant in the press. And they promise not to provide any more information to journalists. The matter will be discussed face to face. And with the promise not to end the meeting until a deal is reached. And that at least one of the fanbases will have their much-desired Christmas presents announced.

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