Santos Plans Squad Overhaul for Second Half of Season

Santos FC is reportedly bracing for significant changes to its roster during the upcoming World Cup break, aiming to reshape the team for the latter half of the 2026 season. According to a report by *Globo Esporte* (ge), several players, including Mayke, Zé Ivaldo, Zé Rafael, and Tomás Rincón, are among those who could be on their way out of Vila Belmiro. This potential overhaul is driven by a need to reduce the club's substantial wage bill and rebalance the squad under coach Cuca.

The club has reportedly initiated discussions with some of these players regarding potential mid-year departures, particularly if suitable transfer offers emerge. This strategic move comes as Santos faces ongoing cash flow issues, which recently led to a delay in salary payments to players. Reducing the payroll is a critical objective for the current board, led by President Marcelo Teixeira, as his tenure approaches its final six months.

Potential Departures

Among the players identified for a potential exit, midfielder Zé Rafael's situation appears to be the most clear-cut. The player has been consistently excluded from coach Cuca's squads, failing to be called up for the last four matches. Given the current circumstances, it is considered highly unlikely that Zé Rafael will feature for Santos again.

Mayke and Zé Ivaldo find themselves in similar positions. Mayke, who commands one of the highest salaries at the club, has lost his starting spot and become a target for fan criticism. In a recent match against Coritiba at the Neo Química Arena, Mayke was booed by supporters and subsequently substituted by Cuca in the first half, a game Santos lost 3-0, keeping them perilously close to the Brasileirão relegation zone. Zé Ivaldo, acquired by Santos earlier this year, has seen minimal action, playing only once under Cuca and not featuring since April until his recent return to the squad after over a month.

Tomás Rincón, meanwhile, could be set to terminate his contract, which is valid until the end of the year. The Venezuelan midfielder, 38, has also seen his playing time diminish and is expected to receive any outstanding payments as part of an agreement with the club. His future remains uncertain, but a departure during the World Cup break appears to be a strong possibility.

Financial and Sporting Motivations

The decision to restructure the squad is deeply rooted in the club's financial health. Persistent cash flow problems have made it imperative for Santos to cut costs, with player wages being a primary target. The strategic release of high-earning players who are no longer central to Cuca's plans would significantly alleviate the financial burden.

From a sporting perspective, coach Cuca has openly acknowledged the necessity of reinforcements to achieve better squad balance, especially if Santos progresses further in the Copa Sudamericana and reaches the pre-quarterfinal playoffs. In a recent interview, Cuca stated, "It's worth qualifying, but we don't have a squad to fight on three fronts. Only if we can sort things out in the middle of the year. Balance the squad much better. Where do you find players available today within the budget we have to spend? If we even have one." This statement underscores the coach's desire for a more robust and balanced team to compete effectively on multiple fronts.

Impact on Team Dynamics

The departure of several experienced, albeit underperforming, players could pave the way for new talent or younger players to step up. While reducing the wage bill addresses immediate financial concerns, the challenge for the coaching staff and management will be to ensure that any incoming players, or those promoted from within, can adequately fill the void. The club's ability to attract new talent will largely depend on its financial capacity and the appeal of the project, especially given Cuca's candid remarks about budget constraints.

The upcoming World Cup break offers a crucial window for Santos to execute these changes, allowing the club to integrate new faces and refine strategies without the immediate pressure of competitive matches. The success of this restructuring will be vital for Santos's performance in the latter half of the season, both in domestic competitions and potentially in the Copa Sudamericana.

Summary of Key Points

• Players Out: Mayke, Zé Ivaldo, Zé Rafael, Tomás Rincón | ge
• Motivation: Reduce wage bill, address cash flow issues, rebalance squad | ge
• Coach's View: Cuca emphasizes need for reinforcements for squad balance and multiple competitions | ge
• Financial State: Club facing cash flow problems, delayed salaries | ge
• Timeline: World Cup break for potential transfers and squad changes | ge

Lo que falta confirmar

While *Globo Esporte* provides a detailed account of the potential changes, the exact terms of any player departures, including transfer fees or severance packages, remain unconfirmed. The specific targets for new signings and the budget allocated for them also need to be officially disclosed by the club.

Fuente: https://ge.globo.com/sp/santos-e-regiao/futebol/times/santos/noticia/2026/05/22/santos-planeja-mudancas-no-elenco-para-o-segundo-semestre-veja-quem-pode-sair.ghtml