Oscar, the former Brazilian national team player, is on the brink of making his much-anticipated return to São Paulo FC after 14 long years since his controversial departure. The midfielder has been engaged in advanced negotiations for what is expected to be a three-year contract with the Tricolor, and both internal sources and the player himself express optimism about the impending agreement.
Despite initial hesitations stemming from fears of fan rejection due to his tumultuous exit from the club back in 2010, Oscar has been swayed by the overwhelmingly positive reception from the São Paulo faithful during recent interactions as he returned to Brazil for the holiday season. The atmosphere has been so encouraging, in fact, it influenced Oscar's decision to reconsider returning to the Morumbi.
According to sources, the discussions heated up following constructive dialogues with coach Luís Zubeldia, who outlined how pivotal Oscar's presence would be for the team. This strategic conversation reportedly lasted about thirty minutes, providing clarity on the direction the club is headed and Oscar’s integral role within it.
Oscar's remarkable stint with Shanghai Port F.C., where he recorded 76 goals and 110 assists over 245 appearances, speaks volumes about his talent and impact on the pitch. His last season, particularly, showcased one of his best performances: 16 goals and 29 assists across just 39 matches. It is with this impressive resume and significant experience from his tenures at Chelsea and Internacional, where he also enjoyed success, Oscar hopes to revitalize his career back at São Paulo.
The buzz around Oscar's possible return intensified markedly since the beginning of December when the serious talks commenced. This attention was even reflected on social media, where his wife’s post sharing fan messages urging Oscar’s comeback sparked excitement among supporters. "I felt the positive climate for my return," Oscar remarked, acknowledging the tremendous support from fans. His sister, Gabrieli Emboaba, played her part too, reinforcing the family’s gratitude for the warm reception from supporters and maintaining hope for his future.
The São Paulo club’s management, buoyed by the positive fan sentiment, remains confident they can handle Oscar’s contract without relying on external sponsors or investors. This contrasts with the initial conversations when financial concerns were raised, highlighting the club's commitment to seeing the agreement finalized. Team executives are optimistic about utilizing salary savings to accommodate Oscar’s financial expectations.
Even though some previous attempts to bring Oscar back, like the advances made by Flamengo back in 2022, came close to fruition but never materialized, the current negotiations seem more promising, partly driven by Oscar's personal realizations of the fans' eagerness for him to return.
Another interesting aspect of the rising expectation is how Oscar’s exit from São Paulo, which came after legal disputes over contract irregularities, affected his initial hesitations. Back then, he was embroiled in controversies surrounding his forced contract renewal and subsequent legal proceedings before joining Internacional, where he became a key player. Today, the positive reception from fans is helping to transcend the shadows of his past experiences.
If the signing goes through, it would mark Oscar's first time wearing the jersey of any Brazilian club since his departure for the international stage eight years ago. His need for validation through fan support is evident, and now, as he looks to connect with the São Paulo supporters again, the harmony between him, the club, and its fans seems to be on the horizon.
Overall, the prospect of Oscar donning the Tricolor colors once more is seen as not just significant for the player but also for São Paulo FC, who is eager to rebuild and reestablish their standing within Brazilian football. The stage is set for what could potentially be one of the most exciting comebacks as the discussions continue and hopeful expectations rise.
