Pablo Maia, in turn, is a name raised by the Botafogo scout and seen as a strategic market opportunity, but São Paulo is cautious regarding the midfielder’s sales potential, which received surveys from the German market. Botafogo had an initial conversation with the 23-year-old player’s staff and received a positive signal to discuss the issue with Tricolor Paulista.
Finally, midfielder Rodriguinho appears as an alternative to meet technical needs in the black and white midfield. Also nominated by the scout, the 21-year-old player had his most active season with the São Paulo shirt, with 28 matches played and 1 goal scored.
- São Paulo evaluates Botafogo names
Initially, Botafogo sent São Paulo a list with five possible names for exchanges. The São Paulo management, however, responded with a counter-proposal and indicated interest in three athletes from the Rio squad: Vitinho (right-back), Marlon Freitas (midfielder) and Yeferson Savarino (attacking midfielder).
The names please Hernán Crespo’s coaching staff due to specific characteristics: Vitinho for his versatility on the wing, Marlon Freitas for his leadership and balance in midfield, and Savarino for his ability to create and play between the lines — a profile valued by the Argentine coach.
Botafogo, which initially made names considered “negotiable” available for negotiations, was surprised by the counter-proposal presented. Conversations between the parties are still considered to be at an early stage, with the possibility of involving more than one athlete on each side or even additional amounts to equalize the deal.
