Investor at Brazilian GP praises São Paulo, says, "We're working" | OneFootball

Businessman Diego Fernandes, founder of O8 Partners and a millionaire interested in investing in São Paulo, gave another indication of his desire to join the club in yet another post on his social media this Friday (7).

A São Paulo fan and club member, Fernandes manages the financial affairs of over 100 professional athletes, including Neymar, Vinícius Júnior, and Formula 1 driver Gabriel Bortoleto.

Alongside fellow F1 drivers Jack Doohan and Valtteri Bottas, who were wearing the Tricolor jersey, Diego Fernandes praised São Paulo and hinted at the future.

“Some things don’t need to be said. Just felt. São Paulo is reaching even further. We are working… Proud to see São Paulo crossing borders. Thank you, Bottas and Jack, for taking our emblem to the world!” said the businessman.

Finnish driver Bottas had even appeared surfing while wearing the São Paulo jersey, which he received from the potential Tricolor investor. See below:

Who is Diego Fernandes? Is he going to buy the club?

No, Fernandes is not a player agent. His role is more bureaucratic, so to speak. He assists in the transfer of receivables from Brazil to abroad and vice versa. Given the large number of Europeans coming to work in local football, his client list (and fame) has grown considerably. His social media showcases his fame, with numerous photos with sports stars.

But, always with caution. On one hand, there is the obvious absence of talks with president Julio Casares. On the other, the need for São Paulo to become a SAF so that the project can be fully realized.

In the first aspect, Casares' allies make it clear that for something of this magnitude, the president prefers Galápagos, which already manages its FIDC and is also behind the investment and participation fund in Cotia.

Moreover, the FIP, which Casares struggles to get approved by the Deliberative Council, is indeed the priority goal of the leader until the end of his term, at the end of next year.

Now, the last point. Yes, behind Fernandes' plan is actually the idea of buying the Tricolor SAF. A topic that sends shivers even to the coldest souls in politics. Given the necessity, Casares performs acrobatics: fights for the FIP, talks about separating social clubs from professional football, and then transforming the Tricolor into a corporation. But with the institution having majority control.

Confusing, but necessary in a club with almost R$ 1 billion in debt and no signs of short-term recovery. But it is hindered by its own political and governance constraints.

Politically, it is also important to place Fernandes. Since the tenure of predecessor Carlos Augusto Barros e Silva, known as Leco, he has been involved with the Tricolor leadership. This proximity, by the way, is what makes the most loyal ‘casaristas’ view him with suspicion.

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