São Paulo target Fortaleza’s Argentine, but Santos are strong rivals | OneFootball

In recent days, São Paulo’s board has sought information about signing attacking midfielder Tomás Pochettino, who was relegated in the last Brazilian Championship with Fortaleza.

AVANTE MEU TRICOLOR found that the contacts made with the northeastern club and the player’s staff, however, were not encouraging at all.

Pochettino has a contract with Fortaleza until December 2027. The Ceará club knows he is an expensive player to keep on the squad for the second division, but that doesn’t mean they are willing to make it easy to let him go.

For São Paulo, negotiations became more complicated due to financial reasons. Fortaleza does not want a loan deal, as São Paulo had hoped. Instead, they are asking for 4 million euros (about R$ 25.4 million) for the immediate release of the attacking midfielder.

Then came the conversation with the player’s staff. And, as AMT found out, Pochettino has his eye on another transfer to a club from São Paulo state—specifically Santos, coached by Juan Pablo Vojvoda, who is considered a friend by the player and is also working behind the scenes to try to sign him for the coastal rival.

São Paulo is evaluating potential names for midfielders, especially playmakers and attackers, to strengthen its squad for next year. One option for the position is a request from coach Hernán Crespo, who has faced shortages in the area throughout the second half of the year, with Oscar and Rodriguinho sidelined due to injuries and medical issues.

The club also wants to be prepared in case Oscar, one of the major signings for the season, really decides to retire.

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