Santos Football Club is entering an exciting phase as it gears up for the 2025 season, marked by significant roster changes and strategic plans aimed at revitalizing its performance on the pitch. With the appointment of coach Pedro Caixinha, the club is seeking to reshape its lineup, reflecting both the club's ambitions and the demands of the competitive Brazilian football environment.
Currently, Santos is hot on the trail of several notable players to reinforce their squad. Among them is Luisão, who has reportedly agreed to terms with the club, and midfielders Galoppo and Thaciano, both of whom have become central figures in the club's strategy for the upcoming season. According to journalist Vagner Frederico, Santos has also secured the signing of a number ten player for 2025, which could be pivotal for the club’s attacking capabilities.
One potential returnee to the squad is Giovanni, the 22-year-old midfielder who has been speculated to make his way back home to Santos after stints at Fluminense and most recently the Kosovo club Ballkani. His agent, Giuliano Bertolucci, has made efforts to facilitate this move, and insiders suggest it could happen at minimal cost—perhaps even as part of a strategic low-risk gamble on the club's part. This reflects Santos’ current philosophy of balancing financial prudence with talent acquisition as they refine their roster.
Nevertheless, the changes at Santos may involve some departures as well. Rómulo Otero, who has been instrumental this past season, is reportedly on the verge of leaving the club, with interests from clubs such as Nacional of Uruguay, showcasing the balancing act the management faces.
Equally pressing is the future of Jair, another standout player at Santos. There are reports indicating interest from Brazilian teams like Botafogo and Palmeiras, yet Jair's preference lies with European football, should he choose to leave Santos. According to Fábio Sormani, the negotiations with Botafogo were stalled by Jair himself, who remains hesitant about staying in the domestic league.
The management of Santos, led by Marcelo Teixeira, understands the importance of these transitions and how they can impact not just player morale but also fan engagement and club identity, particularly after the club’s return to Série A. Teixeira has voiced confidence about the future, stating, "We are moving at the right pace and have plans to compete well across all competitions." He remarked on how quickly the team is being reconstructed, voicing the hope of returning Santos to its traditional stature within Brazilian football.
Another name generating buzz is Julio Furch, who has found himself sidelined following the arrival of Wendel Silva on loan from Porto B. Furch's potential departure is under consideration as the club navigates through its salary obligations with him reportedly owed substantial sums due to prior contracts. Given Wendel's surprising adaptability and sharp performances, Furch's chances to reclaim his starting position grow slimmer.
Santos' fans can also expect new player additions, such as Galoppo, whose transfer negotiations are at an advanced stage. Reports indicate Santos is nearing completion of agreements with São Paulo for Galoppo’s move, possibly entailing substantial investment but viewed as necessary for enriching the midfield.
With the pre-season rapidly approaching, the pressure is on Santos FC to finalize these roster changes before they take to the field. The club's management is hopeful about bolstering the squad with both seasoned professionals and promising talents, ensuring they maintain their competitive edge.
The forthcoming season will offer a test of Santos’ plans as they aim to strike the right balance between experience and youth. With all eyes on the transfer window, fans and analysts alike will be observing how successfully the club’s management implements their vision for 2025, which—they believe—should return Santos FC to its former glory.