Right-back Rafinha is unlikely to remain at São Paulo next year. The doubt and the conversations were about a possible contract renewal with the player.
The player’s staff and Tricolor did not reach an agreement, according to information from UOL. Rafinha’s contract would end at the end of this year, but the idea was for the veteran to participate in the Campeonato Paulista.
MORE: When does the 2025 Campeonato Paulista start?
What will Rafinha’s fate be?
Last year, Rafinha considered retirement at the end of the 2024 season. Investigations into the matter emerged at the end of the campaign that brought the unprecedented Copa do Brasil title in 2023.
Now, the player must seek a new destination. At 39 years old, Rafinha still wants to play at least one more season as a professional.
Rafinha’s departure opens a gap on São Paulo’s side. In addition to the veteran, Igor Vinícius and Moreira can also be traded. This opens up the need for the team to go to the market to look for replacements.
São Paulo remains focused on signing left-back Wendell, currently at Porto, as a priority for 2025. The club, however, has faced challenges in convincing the Portuguese to release the player for free in this transfer window.
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Players who leave São Paulo
- Wellington: the left-back has already signed a contract with Southampton, in England.
- Nikão: loaned to Athletico-PR, the striker returns to São Paulo, who have already announced that they will not renew the player.
- Rafinha: One of the leaders of the squad, the right-back should not remain.
Players who could leave São Paulo
- Luciano: São Paulo recently rejected a proposal from Santos for the striker, but the player continues to receive inquiries.
- Gallop: player can be traded in this window.
- Wellington Rato: Vitória is interested in the player and the Tricolor board has opened negotiations – but the proposal must be improved to be accepted.
- Igor Vinícius: must be involved in negotiations.
