O Santos officialized the hiring of Paraguayan striker Gustavo Caballero23, which belonged to the National, from Paraguay. The confirmation was made by President Marcelo Teixeira, who highlighted the importance of the arrival of the player, considered a strategic reinforcement for the offensive sector.
Caballero landed in Baixada Santista this Monday (21/07) to perform medical examinations and sign three seasons contract with the club. Fish acquired 50% of the athlete’s economic rights for about $ 1.6 million (R $ 8.9 million)according to estimates from the Paraguayan press. The other 50% belong to a group of businessmen, and the club maintains the possibility of expanding its participation in a future negotiation.
– Caballero is a player with characteristics that we do not have in the cast, not even at the base: a fast, incisive striker who scores goals. He is the vice-scorer of the Paraguayan Championship, has worked in the Olympic team and arrives with great references from our coaching staff and the Scout Department. It is not a bet, it is a reasoned hiring – explained Teixeira in an interview with Santa Cecília TV.
The athlete was being monitored by the club’s analysis department and stood out with nine goals in 22 games in 2024. His hiring takes place after the departures of Yeferson Soteldo, sold to Fluminense, and Gabriel Verón, loaned to youth, filling an important gap in the left-tipped sector, which currently has few options-such as Guilherme, Barreal and Robson Júnior.
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SANTOS: Market movements
Marcelo Teixeira also revealed that Santos unsuccessfully tried to hire Uruguayan Brian Rodríguez of America-MEX. The high value of the negotiation – about 8 million euros (R $ 52 million) – made the operation unfeasible, even with the player’s interest in operating in Brazil.
Another name evaluated was Ramón Sosa, who ended up closing with Palmeiras. According to the leader, the choice for Caballero represents a more compatible investment with the club’s reality, offering immediate technical return.
Finally, the president chose not to go into details about reinforcements by position, but made it clear that Santos remains aware of the market for possible arrivals and exits, taking advantage of the transfer window:
– We have good options in the cast, including the base. The coming of (Willian) Aaron, who can act as a steering wheel or defender, gives us more alternatives. But we go open to opportunities.
Gustavo Caballero: trajectory and style of play
A native of San Lorenzo, Paraguay, Caballero began his career at Deportivo Capiatá and gained prominence at Sportivo Ameliano, between 2022 and 2023, before transferring to the national. Since then, he has become an absolute starter, being praised for his speed and tactical delivery.
According to Paraguayan journalists consulted by the website “Trivela”, such as Jota Gómez and Juan Ángel “Chochi” Ovando, Caballero is an attacker who works well on both sides of the field, with acceleration considered above average in local football. In addition, it combines offensive strength and dedication in defensive recomposition.
Although its main virtue is speed, it also has a goal scent and a good game reading. Participated in the Paris Olympics in 2024 with the Paraguayan National Team.
Absurd as Gustavo Caballero left in Paraguayan football, went to the 2024 Olympics, even playing at both ends, had already made a good South American last year
Only 23 years old, it is totally worth a bet pic.twitter.com/kJw9uKLKIK
— Kk🇺🇲 (@Kayke99) July 12, 2025
Prior to boarding Brazil, Caballero spoke to the Paraguayan press and celebrated the hit with Alvinegro Praiano:
– I want to get well, do the exams and make me available to the coach. It’s a great opportunity, I’m very happy. Libertad-PAR was also interested, but my goal was to act outside the country.
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