São Paulo get enquiries for Maik, full-back not in plans | OneFootball

São Paulo’s board is evaluating two transfer proposals for 21-year-old right-back Maik. Clubs from the United Arab Emirates and Ukraine have made formal inquiries to sign the player on loan. However, none of the offers submitted includes immediate financial compensation for the Morumbi club for his temporary release.

The player is under contract until May 2028, and São Paulo owns 90% of his economic rights. The player’s staff and the club’s hierarchy are studying the terms of the deal with the next international transfer window in mind, scheduled to open on July 20.

As AVANTE MEU TRICOLOR revealed, Maik had already previously received interest from Basel, of Switzerland. But that also did not progress to the point of becoming an official offer.

Facing budget restrictions, São Paulo’s football department plans to negotiate the departures of up to seven players in the second half of the year in order to trim the wage bill. Initially, Maik’s name was not on the list of exits projected by the board, but the player’s recent technical situation forced a reassessment of his future at the club.

The right-back has been separated from the first-team squad since May and has not been named in the squad for an official match since March 21, when Tricolor was beaten by Palmeiras in a Brazilian Championship match. According to behind-the-scenes reports, the reason for the separation is internal demands for greater commitment and intensity in daily training.

Training routine and distinction from the Arboleda case

Currently, Maik follows a routine of activities at alternative hours at the Barra Funda training center. Although he shares the training period with center-back Arboleda, the board applies different standards and institutional treatment to each case. Unlike the Ecuadorian defender — whose cycle at the club is considered over — the young full-back still has the door open for a possible reintegration.

During a statement made in May, São Paulo football director Rui Costa detailed the criteria required for the player to be used again by Dorival Júnior’s coaching staff.

“Maik trains with Arboleda, but they are not identical situations. Maik understands the reasons for his removal and knows what he needs to do to regain a level of commitment compatible with a São Paulo professional,” said the executive. “When he absorbs this process and we identify that he has returned to the level of dedication the group demands, he will be reintegrated. They are completely different scenarios, although they work in the same shift for logistical planning reasons,” he said.

Promoted after standing out at Cotia, Maik was part of the generation that won the 2025 Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior title. His performance in the youth tournament led to the extension of his contract on a long-term basis. Since joining the professional squad, the right-back has made 18 appearances and scored two goals.

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