Why the Lucas Veríssimo deal is Santos’s new template | OneFootball

Santos consider the Lucas Veríssimo deal a template, even though his arrival is delayed by airspace closures around Qatar. The club secured the 30-year-old centre-back for four million euros, paid in annual one million instalments through December 2029, easing cash flow.

According to Globo.com, the board view the structure and the expectation he will start as a success that enables recruitment without overloading the budget.

The internal reading is that, even without cash on hand, Santos must stay competitive by using creative solutions, despite longer commitments. The hierarchy now feels inoculated against another fight near the bottom of the Brasileirão, as in 2025.

Executives argue they cannot spend R$ 340 million on three signings as some rivals do, but they can target mid-range fees. Deals of three to five million euros, paid annually, preserve cash and support planning.

Santos also added Gabigol on loan from Cruzeiro, who cover most of his wages. Cristian Oliva joined from Nacional for about R$ 8 million. Gabriel Menino arrived on loan from Atlético-MG with a purchase clause, Rony cost three million euros and Moisés two million euros.

Purchases total 10.5 million euros, roughly R$ 64 million, with payments staggered. With a heavy wage bill that includes Neymar’s salary, Santos have deferred liabilities where possible. They recently paid Arouca more than R$ 15 million to lift a FIFA transfer ban, funded by an R$ 80 million advance on Souza’s sale to Tottenham via a foreign bank.

Source: Globo.com