Cuca reunites with Alex Nascimento at Santos, but defender unlikely to stay | OneFootball

Alex Nascimento has crossed paths with Cuca again at Santos, but the 26-year-old is training away from the group and there is no sign his situation will change. According to Globo.com, he is working separately as his contract runs down, and he is not expected to stay.

Cuca handed him his first-team debut on 16 August 2020 in a 3-1 Brasileirão win over Athletico. That day he came on before half-time for Lucas Veríssimo, who is now back in the squad.

After that match, the coach praised the left-footed centre-back for operating on the right and dealing with aerial balls in a difficult moment despite barely training, adding that the youngsters would be needed.

Despite that link, there is no short-term change in sight. He has been working away from the main group and is not listed among first-team players on the club website or in pre-match media lists. He has had contact with the coaching staff at CT Rei Pelé.

The staff are focusing on Lucas Veríssimo, Luan Peres and the young João Ananias as starting options, with Adonis Frías and Zé Ivaldo in reserve since Cuca’s arrival.

His contract runs to 31 December 2026, so in a little over one month he can sign a pre-contract with another club for 2027. Since leaving Santos in 2021, Nascimento has played for Famalicão in Portugal, Portuguesa and Athletic, featuring in Série B last season.

Source: Globo.com