Santiago Longo has officially concluded his time with São Paulo FC after unsuccessful six months, where he failed to make a significant impact.
The Argentine midfielder was brought on board to bolster the team's midfield but played only five matches during his stint, much less than any hoping player would anticipate. Initially loaned from Belgrano, the 25-year-old has returned to his parent club, following negotiations for the early termination of his contract.
Under head coach Luis Zubeldía, Longo struggled to secure his place on the team roster. He managed to accumulate only 149 minutes of gameplay, with zero goals or assists to show for his efforts. Zubeldía expressed concerns over Longo's diminishing opportunities, attributing this outcome to the return of established players like Alisson and Pablo Maia, who have been pivotal for São Paulo's midfield.
"When the championship ended, I told him about the situation in the midfield, with the recoveries and potential new players from the market. It was his decision not to stay and compete for his place," remarked Zubeldía, elaborately explaining the circumstances surrounding Longo's departure.
Longo’s time at São Paulo was marked by underwhelming performances. Despite being awarded starting positions, he never moved beyond the role of a secondary option, reflecting poorly on his overall contributions. His playing time was primarily confined to games where Zubeldía opted to field reserve players rather than the main squad.
This lack of effective play not only weighed against Longo but also left São Paulo scrambling to fill the void left by his departure. The club currently features other talents such as Marcos Antônio and Bobadilla, amplifying competition for the midfield slots.
After Longo's exit, São Paulo clashed with Inter de Limeira, resulting in a 0-0 draw. The team still sits at the top of Group C, boasting 14 points. With upcoming matches on the horizon, the squad is prepared to adapt and utilize the strengths of other players to maintain their successful approach.
Longo’s departure marks yet another chapter filled with challenges for São Paulo FC as they continue to seek optimal performance levels. The team is now poised to explore new talent avenues, including potentially promoting Hugo from the youth ranks, aligning with Zubeldía's plans to inject fresh energy and resilience.
Meanwhile, Santiago Longo returns to Belgrano to reflect on his experience at São Paulo and contemplate future opportunities within his career, hoping to regain the form and positioning he once exhibited back home.