Sporting ambitions are on the rise at São Paulo FC as the club gears up for the 2025 season and actively pursues the return of midfielder Thiago Mendes from Al-Rayyan, Qatar. Once coveted by the club, Mendes is now expected to make his emotional comeback to the Tricolor Paulista, aiming to strengthen the squad for another intense campaign, including aspirations for the prestigious Copa Libertadores.
Negotiations for Mendes have been underway since mid-2024, with the club heavily invested in facilitating his transfer. His agent, Paulo Pitombeira, has been vocal about the situation, declaring, "There’s a strong chance now for January. We are negotiating," highlighting the urgency and optimism surrounding Mendes' potential release from Al-Rayyan.
Thiago Mendes, 32, who was with São Paulo from 2015 to 2017, has long expressed his desire to return to Brazilian football, especially after facing challenges during his time at Al-Rayyan, where he only made five appearances this season due to injury. His current contract with the Qatari club is set to expire in June 2025, affording him the possibility of signing a pre-contract elsewhere should the negotiations fail.
The timing is especially significant as Mendes has had limited opportunities on the field, exacerbated by his injury troubles. His last match was on September 14, which raises questions about his current fitness and form. With family ties and personal aspirations pulling him back home, he seems eager to don the São Paulo colors once again.
Interestingly, the dynamics surrounding his transfer could be influenced by Al-Rayyan's interest in another player, Gregore from Botafogo, both of whom share the same agent, Pitombeira. It's speculated this situation may allow São Paulo to negotiate Mendes' release more amicably, possibly setting the stage for his arrival by January 2025.
Meanwhile, the São Paulo front office is not just banking on bringing Mendes back; the club is also focusing on overall squad improvement. The recently announced signing of Oscar signals São Paulo's commitment to reclaiming its competitive edge. Oscar himself has acknowledged the importance of the Copa Libertadores, remarking, "I lived here at the club; I know how important the Libertadores is for São Paulo. I hope to start the year well to arrive strong at the Libertadores," as reported by SPFCTV.
This proactive approach shows the club's intention to strengthen its roster as it navigates through financial constraints, making judicious moves to avoid overspending. The strategy includes streamlining the payroll by releasing some players, creating space for higher-profile acquisitions like Mendes and the promising Oscar.
While the excitement builds around possible reinforcements, the São Paulo coaching staff under Luis Zubeldía aims to solidify plans for the next season, eyeing additional signings apart from Mendes. Initial reports suggest the need for three to five new players to compete effectively at the national and continental levels.
Though initially hesitant to let Mendes go earlier due to perceived financial constraints or contractual obligations, Al-Rayyan may now reconsider its position as the desire for squad renewal intensifies. The negotiation saga, filled with twists and turns, has engaged fans over the last six months. Should Mendes finalize his return, it may offer São Paulo the added depth and experience needed to push for glory once again.
At this juncture, the São Paulo faithful are hopeful, eager for news as the club looks forward to its pre-season trip to the United States, where the foundation for the upcoming 2025 season will be laid. With names like Mendes and Oscar potentially gracing the Morumbi Stadium once again, the anticipation is palpable.
The combination of promising talent and experienced players like Mendes could prove pivotal as the club rallies for another shot at regional dominance. Mendes stands as not just a player to fill the midfield but as a symbol of persistence and ambition for the Tricolor, ready to embrace the next chapter of his career at the beloved São Paulo FC.
