Santos supporters are probably still nursing the biggest hangover in recent times after last Wednesday’s re-conquest of Copa Libertadores, the most-coveted trophy in Latin American club football - after a goalless draw against Peñarol in Montevideo, Neymar and co. beat the Uruguayans 2-1 in Sao Paolo to give the Brazilians their third Libertadores Cup and the first since 1963. The headache, however, is also due to a comedown that reflects a reality in Brazilian football much different from the times Pele and other former Santos legends walked the pitch: Santos risks going to Japan in December for a possible mouth-watering showdown against Barcelona for the Fifa World Cup Club without not only their talismanic forward, but others members of the squad.
The trophy was still being paraded around the Pacaembu stadium when the Brazilian press started speculating about the next career moves for Neymar and midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso. Judging by rumors, both are set to join Real Madrid and Milan, respectively, but Santos’ directors are now trying to have both delay their move abroad at least till the January transfer window, albeit the official statements talk about Summer 2012. They argue that Neymar and Ganso are paid competitive wages (Neymar’s are estimated to be around £55k a week, for example) and thus should not rush to Europe.
The trophy was still being paraded around the Pacaembu stadium when the Brazilian press started speculating about the next career moves for Neymar and midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso. Judging by rumors, both are set to join Real Madrid and Milan, respectively, but Santos’ directors are now trying to have both delay their move abroad at least till the January transfer window, albeit the official statements talk about Summer 2012. They argue that Neymar and Ganso are paid competitive wages (Neymar’s are estimated to be around £55k a week, for example) and thus should not rush to Europe.
Out of the two, however, only Neymar seems open to talks. Ganso has publicly declared his admiration for AC Milan and his desire to move after the Club World Cup, something that the player might not be able to choose in case the Italians up their game. Neymar, funny enough, seems to be the easier mission, for he appreciate the fact that Santos has been bending backwards to make him feel special – the club has even a special group of employees to look after the striker. The suspense will be enhanced by the fact both Neymar and Ganso are in the Brazilian squad for the Copa America, which starts next Friday.
Singling those two out as Santos problems would be as unfair as saying they won the Copa America by themselves. The success in the continental campaign will certainly enhance the profile of other squad members, like right-back Danilo, who scored the winner against Peñarol. Elano, who returned to domestic football after discreet spells at Manchester City and Galatasaray could reignite the interest of foreign clubs – especially now he’s back to the national team.
A lot of people, including rival supporters, might be crossing their fingers that Santos retains at least Neymar. A duel with Messi in Japan beckons...
Singling those two out as Santos problems would be as unfair as saying they won the Copa America by themselves. The success in the continental campaign will certainly enhance the profile of other squad members, like right-back Danilo, who scored the winner against Peñarol. Elano, who returned to domestic football after discreet spells at Manchester City and Galatasaray could reignite the interest of foreign clubs – especially now he’s back to the national team.
A lot of people, including rival supporters, might be crossing their fingers that Santos retains at least Neymar. A duel with Messi in Japan beckons...
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