Thiago Maia signs deals with Santos despite interest from Juve and Atlético

São Paulo club Santos have signed highly rated defensive midfielder Thiago Maia to a new contract until June 2019, the club revealed today. Still only 18, Maia has become a regular in the heart of the Peixe midfield as they chase automatic qualification for next year’s Copa Libertadores. Brazilian TV channel Globo reports that European […]
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sambafoot_admin
2015-10-14 22:28:00

São Paulo club Santos have signed highly rated defensive midfielder Thiago Maia to a new contract until June 2019, the club revealed today.

Still only 18, Maia has become a regular in the heart of the Peixe midfield as they chase automatic qualification for next year’s Copa Libertadores. Brazilian TV channel Globo reports that European giants Juventus and Atletico Madrid have been looking at the young midfield player, whose maturity in midfield belies his years.

Maia’s current deal was due to run out in February 2016, putting European clubs on high alert for a January transfer. However, the young Brazilian has tied himself to Santos for a further four years. “I’m happy that this episode has concluded and thank God it is now resolved. I will stay at Santos. I hope to give many titles to Santos. I’m here since I was 13, 14 years old. It’s the team that created me, made me. I think it’s the least I could do.”

Maia continues Santos’ astonishing production line of talent that includes Neymar, Ganso and Gabigol and, of course, Pele. Maia has forced his way into Doriva’s starting line-up this season, with his mixture of tenacity and cultured ball play. It is no surprise that clubs such as Juve and Atleti, both of whom value such attributes very highly in their hard working midfields, have been linked with his signature.

The 18 year old told Santos’ official website, “Thank God, I did not lose my focus and so I was able to give joy to the fans. I have the dream of playing in the Libertadores and will stay here for a long time. I will not lack effort or determination.” Despite his long term pledge, it is difficult to imagine him resisting the lure of Europe before long, should he continue to improve on his current trajectory.