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, neither offer 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 top brass are studying the terms of the deal with the next international transfer window in mind, which is scheduled to open on July 20.

As AVANTE MEU TRICOLOR revealed, Maik had already previously attracted interest from Basel, of Switzerland. But things also did not progress to the point of an official offer being made.

Facing budget constraints, São Paulo’s football department plans to negotiate the departure of up to seven players in the second half of the year in order to reduce the wage bill. Initially, Maik’s name was not on the list of departures 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 away from the main squad since May and has not been included for an official match since March 21, when Tricolor was beaten by Palmeiras in a Brazilian Championship clash. According to behind-the-scenes reporting, the reason for his removal is tied to 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 Barra Funda Training Center. Although he shares training time 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,” the executive said. “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, even though they work in the same shift for logistical planning reasons,” he said.

Promoted after standing out in 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 long-term contract. 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.