Romano delivers update as ex-Rangers pair set to team up with global superstar
Today at 04:30 AM
Pedro Caixinha and Alfredo Morelos are about to have their reunion spiced up by the addition of a global superstar.
The ex-Rangers pair are together again at Santos after Caixinha was appointed their boss at the same time as Morelos’ loan at Atletico Nacional was coming to and end.
El Bufalo’s future is uncertain though with some claims from Brazil suggesting his contract could be ripped up.
Morelos found some form while back in Colombia, his 11 goals in 28 appearances helping his loan club Nacional to a league and cup double.
But that doesn’t mean Santos will welcome him back with open arms as he is on a high wage and his spell there has been marred by controversy and underperformance.
Caixinha was the man who took him to Ibrox though so the striker may be pinning his hopes on a successful reunion in South America.
If he does stick around, he could form a strike partnership with one of the biggest names in the game.
Neymar closes in on Santos return
One of Santos’ most famous sons, a potential return to Brazil for Neymar at the age of 32 has been mooted for months.
It now looks to be accelerating with Fabrizio Romano claiming a loan is close.
The transfer guru says Santos have now lodged a formal proposal to take him home on loan from Saudi said Al Hilal, and are just awaiting the confirmation.
He wrote: “Neymar Jr, close to returning to Santos as the Brazilian club has now submitted formal loan proposal
“Santos are waiting for green light from Al Hilal, timing depends on the Saudi club. Santos, way ahead of Chicago Fire in Ney race as @diariodopeixe @clmerlo called.”
Caixinha hasn’t had much in the way of success at his many clubs since leaving Rangers, but if he can get a tune out of Neymar and Morelos he could be on to a winner.
Morelos’ Santos future
As mentioned though, Morelos may not actually have a future at the club.
He was arrested for an alleged drink driving offence which could give the Brazilians cause to terminate his expensive contract, which he failed to live up to, hence being loaned out.
Brazilian journalist Fabiano Farah said last month: “The club's lawyers are just waiting for approval from the Peixe Management Committee, chaired by Marcelo Teixeira, to move forward with the termination of the contract. The payroll relief would be more than R$8 million.
"Alfredo Morelos has always been a burden on the club's coffers. He didn't deliver on the field. He resisted reducing his salary to compete in the Brazilian Championship's Série B and when he did reduce it to R$350,000 per month, he charged a bonus of R$20,000 per goal scored."
