São Paulo FC is on the lookout for new talent as they prepare for the upcoming season, and one player who has caught their attention is Matheus Bahia. The 25-year-old left-back, previously with Bahia, is now considered surplus to requirements at his current club and is also attracting interest from Ceará, where he spent the previous season.
The Tricolor is facing some pressing challenges after significant departures from their squad, including players like Welington and Rafinha. This has prompted the team to actively search for replacements, particularly for the left-back position, where Bahia is now firmly on their radar.
According to journalist André Hernan from UOL Esporte, São Paulo’s management is already aware of the financial terms and the length of the contract they will propose. Bahia, having lost his starting place, is not anticipated to feature prominently under current head coach Rogério Ceni at Bahia, making the move to São Paulo seem like a feasible option.
Bahia joined the Bahia club’s youth ranks and worked his way up through the ranks before securing his place as the team's main left-back during their tenure in the Brazilian Série A. His performances earned him recognition, and last season, he was loaned to Ceará, where he played 49 games and provided seven assists during their campaign.
The player's contract with Bahia runs until December 31, 2026, but his future at the club appears uncertain. Ceará is also interested in tying him down longer, potentially leveraging him as part of negotiations for the Tricolor's attack player, Erick Pulga, who is likely to join Bahia soon.
Ceará is reportedly eager to have Bahia included as part of any exchange deal, but Bahia's current management wishes to sell rather than trade him. This could complicate matters as São Paulo evaluates whether to engage with both clubs over the transfer.
Meanwhile, as the transfer window tightens, São Paulo is prioritizing their needs. They are also scouting for other left-back options. Matheus Bahia's situation has drawn them close to considering his transfer, and his name has resurfaced as they weigh their options.
Hernan noted on X, formerly known as Twitter, about Bahia’s involvement, stating, 'Matheus Bahia is under consideration by São Paulo. The player has been approached by the Tricolor Paulista! Values and contract duration already with São Paulo's management.' This reveals the club's readiness to act on their targeted players.
The current strategy includes concurrent exploration of targets, with the club also aiming for other players like Wendell, currently playing for Porto. While negotiations for Bahia are still in the early stages, the club is determined to resolve their defensive gaps.
The situation with Bahia places him alongside another target, Natanael, from Coritiba, the latter being classified as 'Plan A' for the right-back role. With club ambitions set high, the strategy appears to align effectively as São Paulo aims for the right fit to fortify their roster.
Adding another layer to the upcoming negotiations, Bahia’s name plus potential deals could be enough to satisfy the pressing need within the São Paulo organization. Clarity over his likely departure from Bahia also gives the club confidence to pursue such players aggressively.
Historically, Bahia has provided several talents who’ve moved on to bigger stages, and Matheus Bahia could potentially follow suit if São Paulo successfully negotiates with both the player and Bahia. Though the timeline remains unclear, it’s evident he is highly sought after and could play a pivotal role for whichever club he lands at.
Overall, as negotiations and interest develop, São Paulo FC finds itself at the crossroad of making significant roster decisions, with Matheus Bahia potentially playing an integral role as they seek to rebuild their team’s backbone for the next season.