One of the top-scorers of this year’s Brasileirão, striker Grafite has a chance of playing at Santos next season.
According to the information from Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola, a meeting between the representative of the attacker and the board of Santos will occur this week to define his future. Before negotiating with the Vila Belmiro side, Grafite came to be offered to Palmeiras and Corinthians. Grafite’s agent was informed by Palmeiras leaders that a deal has been reached with Keno of Santa Cruz. During the contact with Corinthians, the representative of Grafite discovered that former Manchester City and Everton striker Jô has a verbal agreement to arrive in 2017. Palmeiras will buy 60% of Keno’s economic rights for €1 million, and the striker, who’s a teammate of Grafite mate at Santa Cruz, belongs to São José-RS. Jô, who was a part of the Brazilian team that lifted the 2013 Confederations Cup, was unemployed since July, when he was released from Jiangsu Suning. Corinthians want to integrate Jô to training later this year, although they can only use the player in 2017.
An idol at Santa Cruz, Grafite is determined to leave because of the severe financial crisis of the club. He receives no salary since June, and with relegation to Série B, Santa will have to reduce the payroll for next season – Grafite is by far the most expensive player. Contact between Grafite and Santos began after the team’s 3-2 victory over Santa Cruz, at the Pacaembu, on 18 September. Coach Dorival Júnior talked to the striker at the exit of the pitch and showed interest in signing him. Santos may have identified Grafite as a replacement for veteran striker Ricardo Oliveira, who was in the sights of Chinese teams in the last two transfer windows.