Leonardo de Sá
The fans’ expectations grow, but the financial scenario still creates uncertainty at CT Rei Pelé. Santos works to maintain Neymarenable the return of Gabigol and advance through Ronbut none of the agreements are concluded — and the sum of projected maturities puts immediate pressure on the black and white budget for 2026. Between renewals, loans and possible signings, the club needs to strike a rare balance: sustaining impactful names without compromising the austerity announced by the management of Alexandre Mattos and Marcelo Teixeira.
Peixe seeks to rebuild competitiveness around Neymar, but admits that It’s not enough to have a star player — you need to surround him with decisive players. The internal reading is clear: if it wants to fight for titles, the club will have to take sporting and financial risks. It remains to be seen how far Santos can go within its financial limitations for next season, especially given the desire to be more competitive.
Neymar
The priority is to maintain Neymarwho, based on his previous contract with the club, may receive around R$4.5 million per monthor equivalent to R$27 million in six months of contract. The cost, alone, represents a significant portion of the current payroll. R$ 11.3 million/monthaccording to the last published balance sheet. Internally, advisors admit that the number 10’s salary weighs as much as five “common” playersand its permanence requires contractual and commercial adjustmentsincluding involving companies linked to the athlete.
Still, renewal is treated as fundamental — Neymar wants to stay at the club to remain competitive towards the 2026 World Cupand Santos sees a sporting and symbolic return, despite the financial debate. The agreement is underway, but unsignedand club sources reinforce that the final adjustment involves rebalancing commercial counterparts and assumptions.
Gabigol
While Neymar tends to remain, Gabigol is the most delicate case. The attacker wins R$3.45 million per month at Cruzeirobeing R$2.5 million fixed salary — the values place him among the most expensive players in the country. Santos’ idea is to get the attacker on loancom salary division: Cruzeiro would pay part of the salaries to alleviate its own payroll and allow the idol to return to Vila Belmiro.
Even with the club’s willingness to invest, the monthly cost remains the biggest obstacle. Although Santos projects fiscal responsibility, it admits internally that the chance of having Neymar and Gabigol together changes the competitive batten. Until now, however, there is no definitive agreementand Cruzeiro — backed by billionaire Pedro Lourenço — maintains the remote hope of a sale, which slows down progress.
Ron
The third name of the equation is Ronseen as a strategic reinforcement to increase intensity and depth in the squad. The conversation progresses, but no official proposal. The operation sale of the striker, who is currently with Atlético Mineiro, should be between R$19 million and R$26 million. The athlete’s salary exceeds R$1 million per monthone of the biggest salaries at the current club, and requires a new calibration in spending policy. Behind the scenes, coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda is a striker enthusiastwhile the Rooster does not put obstacles in the way of his exit — the priority is to define the future quickly.
Trio together?
If the three agreements are concluded as discussed, Santos could easily surpass the R$8 million monthly mark with just Neymar, Gabigol and Ronywithout considering individual bonuses, commissions or gloves. The scenario diverges from the public discourse of austerity, but also represents the biggest sports bet since Neymar’s returnwith a direct impact on the club’s image and the team’s future projects.
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For the board, The challenge is to align expectations and deadlines: Neymar should have a decision announced soon, Gabigol requires more timee Rony depends on financial adjustments and formal negotiations. With this, the Santos reconstruction could have the biggest salary bill in the club’s history — or due to the need to recalculate directions if negotiations go cold. At the moment, everything is up for discussion — nothing is fixed.
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