Santos are officially free from FIFA’s transfer embargo after settling an outstanding debt of 12 million Brazilian reais (£1.7 million / $2.3 million) owed to Monaco for midfielder Jean Lucas. The sanction had halted the Brazilian club’s transfer activity since July and was lifted after a vital capital injection from NR Sports. In return, Santos and Neymar’s family agency will jointly negotiate and market the remaining unallocated sponsorship space on the club’s kit.
Santos confirm resolution of debt
The club’s board confirmed the lifting of the embargo in an official statement published on Thursday. Explaining the financial resolution, Santos said: «El Santos FC ha resuelto la prohibición de fichar y vuelve a estar autorizado para operar en el mercado de fichajes. La operación fue posible gracias al apoyo de NR Sports, a través del cual el club recibió una inyección financiera inmediata. A cambio, Santos FC y la empresa negociarán conjuntamente el inventario de patrocinio de la equipación que aún no se ha comercializado».
Brazilian giants pursue reinforcements
The emergency measure was taken to address a serious shortage of players in the squad while easing pressure on a club that is still managing an estimated total debt of £13 million. FIFA’s decision to lift the sanction allows Santos to move forward with the signing of former Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo, who has been identified as the club’s main target, according to Diario Sport.
The attacking midfielder is expected to provide an immediate boost as Santos attempt to move away from the Brazilian league relegation zone.
Crucial derby test approaches
Santos face Corinthians this weekend aiming to extend their precarious two-point advantage over the Campeonato Brasileiro relegation zone. Neymar is expected to return to the starting line-up after missing the 3-0 defeat by Palmeiras in the first leg of their Copa do Brasil quarter-final.
The club’s focus is now split between overturning that aggregate deficit at Vila Belmiro and securing crucial league points against a side led by Memphis Depay.
