Santos FC is on the hunt for new attacking talent as it looks to strengthen its squad for the upcoming 2025 season. The team, led by President Marcelo Teixeira, has set its ambitions on renowned players Tiquinho Soares from Botafogo and Rony from Palmeiras. Teixeira understands the necessity of bringing experienced players aboard, especially after evaluating the current team's performance, which did not meet expectations.
According to reports, Santos recently consulted with Tiquinho Soares' representatives and received positive feedback about the possibility of moving forward with negotiations for the striker. Soares, currently contracted to Botafogo until December 2026, participated in 53 matches last season, scoring nine goals and providing eight assists. This makes him not only a prolific scorer but also a valuable playmaker.
Plans are already underway to formally present Soares with an offer, likely involving a three-year contract with proposed earnings around R$ 1 million monthly, along with performance-based bonuses linked to goals and titles. This approach aims to make the proposition appealing, ensuring financial security for the player, along with the thrill of contributing to a competitive environment.
Simultaneously, Santos has turned its attention to Rony, who is tied to Palmeiras until the end of 2026. Although Palmeiras is reluctant to let their star player leave, Santos is expected to put forth a solid proposal to attract him as well. Achieving this objective will depend on presenting concrete plans to bolster the offensive lineup which has seen several players not performing as expected and potentially leaving the club. Teixeira remains optimistic about bringing both players on board.
The analysis from Santos' football department highlighted Tiquinho as someone who could inject experience and leadership, particularly during significant competitions like the Campeonato Paulista. Santos aims to reestablish itself as a formidable force, and integrating players like Soares could be pivotal for their strategy moving forward.
Negotiations, of course, pose significant challenges. Luring Tiquinho away from Botafogo won’t be straightforward, especially as he enjoys considerable admiration from the Botafogo supporters and is seen as contributing positively to the team's recent successes, including their Copa Libertadores triumph.
Teixeira confirmed the status of these negotiations during recent interviews, including comments made on the Santa Cecília TV show "Esporte por Esporte." "We are already advancing negotiations with the player’s representatives," he explained. "The dialogue around his employment with both the club and the player has already progressed. Now we need to facilitate discussions involving the club itself. Botafogo, after all, has its own financial commitments and pending matters with us."
The Santos president also alluded to certain financial factors between the clubs affecting the negotiation dynamics, including outstanding payments for previous player dealings, which adds layers of complexity to this potential transfer.
Santos is also exploring the option of acquiring Gabriel Barbosa (Gabigol), but Teixeira indicated this would be tougher due to competitive interest from other clubs such as Cruzeiro. Nevertheless, he is encouraged by the prospect of landing Tiquinho Soares, stating confidently, "A player of this caliber could flourish at the Santos."
The upcoming 2025 season is set to be packed for Santos, as they will engage not only in the regional Paulista but also the Copa do Brasil and the Campeonato Brasileiro. Concerns over last season’s disappointing showing, from which they missed national cup qualification, have intensified the urgency for club improvements.
With several players underperforming and likely to exit, Santos is intent on executing significant changes to make itself competitive again. The addition of experienced attackers like Tiquinho Soares and potentially Rony could dramatically shift the team’s fortunes next year.
Should Santos succeed with their offers, expectations are high on how Tiquinho would integrate and drive the team forward. If formal proposals come through and negotiations progress favorably, fans might soon see the seasoned forward donned in the Peixe colors as the club sets its eyes on regaining former glories.