Santos intensifies negotiations for Rony and advances a salary agreement with Gabigol for the attackBy Carolina Costa
5 min read
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Santos Futebol Clube proactively intensifies its movements in the market for the 2025 season, seeking to reinforce its offensive sector with big names. The board, under the leadership of Essas negotiations are seen as crucial for building a competitive squad, aiming to avoid the difficulties faced in previous years and consolidate the club among the protagonists of national football.
Conversations with Gabigol, who is going through a moment of uncertainty at his current club, gained new momentum with the player’s openness to adjusting his salary conditions. Peixe proposes a three-year contract, seeking to dilute costs and offer an ambitious project that highlights the athlete’s strong identification with Vila Belmiro. The expectation is that the striker, a fundamental player in past achievements, can once again be a technical and leadership differentiator.
At the same time, interest in Rony, Atlético-MG’s versatile striker, resurfaced strongly. The player’s profile, known for his speed and finishing ability, aligns with coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s plans for the formation of a dynamic and effective attack. The Santos management evaluates the business possibilities with Galo, which demonstrates a willingness to negotiate, considering financial compensation or possible athlete exchanges.
Imminent deal with Gabigol
Negotiations for the return of Gabigol to Santos have reached an advanced stage in recent days, with the striker showing great openness to the club’s proposal. The project presented by the Santos board, focused on a long-term bond, was a determining factor in the rapprochement. The proposed salary of R$1.9 million per month, although high, is being adjusted to adapt to the financial reality of Peixe, with provisions for diluted salaries throughout the contract.
The player, who is currently facing a period of less protagonism in Cruzeiro, where he lost space after some eliminations in important competitions, sees in Santos the ideal opportunity to regain his best form. Identification with the club that revealed him and the chance to be a central player in a new cycle are points that weigh on the athlete’s decision.
Alexandre Mattos, football director of Santos, has been conducting negotiations directly with the Gabigol staff. Coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s approval for the striker’s arrival was fundamental, as the coach sees in him an element capable of significantly raising the team’s offensive level for the challenges of 2025.
Return to fish and expectations
The possible return of Gabigol to Vila Belmiro generates great enthusiasm among the Santos fans, who closely follow each development of the negotiations. The expectation is that his experience and eye for goal will bring new energy to the squad and increase the chances of success in future competitions. The athlete is seen as a symbol of recent victories and a natural leader for the group.
The Santos board is betting that the presence of a player with the history and charisma of Gabigol can boost not only performance on the field, but also fan engagement and the club’s commercial appeal. The strategy is to rejuvenate the cast with big names who already have a strong connection with the institution, creating a solid foundation for the coming years.
Ron on the Santos radar
Santos’s interest in Rony, attacker of Atlético-MG, appears as a valuable alternative to strengthen the attack, complementing the negotiations for Gabigol. The player is known for his versatility, being able to play in different positions in the offensive sector, a characteristic that greatly pleases the coaching staff. Rony has a contract with Galo until 2027, which indicates the need for a consistent proposal for its release.
In the 2025 season, Rony registered 13 goals in 62 games, demonstrating regularity and decision-making capacity in important moments. Sua experience in major Brazilian football clubs and in continental competitions is an attraction for planning Santos, which seeks athletes with a winning profile.
Juan Pablo Vojvoda sees in Rony an ideal replacement for Guilherme, who left the team, and a piece that can offer different tactical solutions. Atlético-MG, in turn, is open to negotiations, prioritizing financial compensation or the inclusion of players in a possible exchange, seeking to readjust its salary sheet.
Surveys by Peixe and other clubs throughout the year reflect the market’s recognition of the striker’s performance and potential. The Santos board carefully evaluates the best way to advance the conversations, considering the cost-benefit of the transaction.
History of the search for the attacker
This is not the first time that Santos has shown interest in Rony. The São Paulo club had already tried to sign the striker in previous years, even before his move to Atlético-MG, when he was still playing for Palmeiras. On Naquelas occasions, competition and the agility of other clubs prevented the deal from being completed.
Now, the scenario is more favorable for Peixe, with the player open to new changes and Atlético-MG in the process of reformulating its squad. Alexandre Mattos uses its contacts and expertise in the market to speed up negotiations, seeking to finally bring the athlete to Vila Belmiro.
Financial aspects of negotiations
The completion of the hiring of Gabigol and Rony imposes significant challenges on the financial management of Santos. The proposed salary for The board works intensely to balance the accounts.
For Rony, the high costs of hiring him and his salary at Atlético-MG represent a similar obstacle. Conversations are progressing with the possibility of finding a business model that includes the sharing of expenses or participation in part of the economic rights.
Mattos adopts a cautious stance to avoid any budget imbalance that could compromise the club’s financial health in the medium and long term. The reinforcements aim to increase the team’s competitiveness without exposing Santos to excessive risks, keeping fiscal responsibility as a priority.
Planning for the attack
The possible formation of an offensive duo with Gabigol and Rony represents the ambition of the Santos board for the 2025 season. The club, which narrowly escaped relegation in 2024, is determined to invest strategically in crucial parts of the squad to ensure superior performance.
Coach The expectation is to create a versatile attack with a high finishing capacity, essential for the upcoming competitions.
Next steps in the market
The next few days will be decisive for the outcome of the negotiations involving Gabigol and Rony. Santos works on the latest contractual details and the release of players with their current clubs. The fans await with great anticipation the official announcements that could represent one of the biggest investments of the Peixe for the 2025 season.


