Still fighting to secure a place in the Copa LibertadoresSão Paulo already has a first target defined to reinforce Luis Zubeldía’s squad in 2025.
Tricolor opened talks with left-back Wendell, from Porto and with recent call-ups to the Brazilian team by Dorival Júnior.
As determined by Trivelathe São Paulo board maintains frequent contacts with Wendell since the middle of the year e has already spoken to the player about the possibilities for 2025.
São Paulo opens talks to hire Wendell (Photo: IconSport)
Like what happened in the last window, Wendell still prioritizes continuing in European football next season.
But the left-back liked what he heard and also showed interest in returning to Brazil to play for São Paulo.
Wendell only has a contract with Porto until June 2025 and should not have his contract renewed. The athlete can now sign a pre-contract with a new team from January 1st.
The contractual situation means that the Brazilian will play little in Portugal. A starter in the last three seasons, the player played in just two matches in 2024/25.
At 30 years old, Wendell wants to regain space in another European football team to return to the Brazilian team. He remains on Dorival Júnior’s radar, but He was left out of the last lists because he wasn’t playing.
Grêmio and Cruzeiro also interested
In addition to São Paulo, the Grêmio is another club interested in signing Wendell.
The Rio Grande do Sul Tricolor dreams of the return of the left-back to be the starter in Reinaldo’s place in 2025. Wendell stood out for Grêmio in 2014 before being sold to Bayer Leverkusen.
The player has a lot of affection and is thinking about returning to Grêmio — but not now. THE Trivela found that this is not its plan for 2025.
The left-back is a dream come true for Tricolor Rio Grande do Sul, who should not renew with Reinaldo
According to “GE”, the Cruise also evaluate an attempt to sign the Porto player.
São Paulo already tried Wendell in the middle of the year
Wendell is São Paulo’s long-time wish. The club tried to sign the left-back in the last window, before closing with Jamal Lewis.
The São Paulo proposal was considered “very good” by the athlete’s staff. The attack, however, was unsuccessful. The full-back told the board at the time that his priority was to continue in Europe.
✍️ Take note of Tricolor’s next games:
🆚 Red Bull Bragantino x São Paulo
🗓️ 11/20 (Wednesday), at 4:30 pm
🏟️ Nabi Abi Chedid
📍 Bragança Paulista
🏆 Brasileirão (34th round)
📺 Premiere🆚 São Paulo x Atlético-MG
🗓️ 11/23 (Saturday), at 9:30 pm
🏟️ MorumBIS
📍 São Paulo
🏆… pic.twitter.com/3z3DYhLmXp— São Paulo FC (@SaoPauloFC) November 10, 2024
Spending cap could be an obstacle
The financial issue must be an obstacle to São Paulo’s desire to sign Wendell.
This is because the club will have a limit of R$350 million per year to spend on football from 2025.
The number was stipulated as a counterpart to the creation of a investment fund to raise R$240 million which will be used to pay off debts.
Left back is a priority for São Paulo
São Paulo will open 2025 with the left side as a major need in its squad.
Welington, the current starter, will leave the club to play for Southampton. Thus, Zubeldía will only have Jamal Lewis available in the position. And the Briton’s loan contract ends midway through the season.
São Paulo’s next games
- RB Bragantino x São Paulo – Brazilian Championship – Wednesday, November 20th, at 4:30 pm (Brasília time)
- São Paulo x Atlético-MG – Brazilian Championship – Saturday, November 23, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time)
- Grêmio x São Paulo – Brazilian Championship – Sunday, December 1st, at 4pm (Brasília time)
Where to watch São Paulo games live?
A Trivela has a section dedicated exclusively to live broadcasts of São Paulo games. You can access this page clicking here.
Alright, let’s dive into the swirling world of football transfer news, shall we? You know, it’s like watching soap operas, but with more sweat, less drama, and the occasional existential crisis thrown in!
So, São Paulo is on a mission to bolster Luis Zubeldía’s squad as they aim for a spot in the Copa Libertadores. They’ve set their sights on left-back Wendell from Porto, who seems to have mixed feelings about his current residence in Europe. I mean, it’s like flirting with someone at a party while your ex-girlfriend is eyeing you from across the room. “Oh, I’m happy here! But… he did say he’d take me to that fancy restaurant… hmmm.” If football were Tinder, it would be filled with “it’s complicated” statuses.
According to Trivela, São Paulo have been wooing poor Wendell since the middle of the year. It’s like trying to get a date with a person who keeps ghosting you but you’re determined to put on your best charm… and maybe a nice shirt. The club reportedly has had frequent conversations with the lad, even discussing potential escape plans for 2025. Talk about long-term commitment! Does São Paulo want to sign him or just get him to go steady with them on Instagram?
Now let’s not forget—Wendell’s got a contract with Porto that lasts until June 2025. But rumor has it he won’t be renewing his lease on Life in Portugal, which sounds like a dodgy plot twist from a bad reality show. “Will he or won’t he? Tune in next season!”
But if you think that’s the juicy part of the story, hold onto your football scarves! Grêmio and Cruzeiro have also jumped into the ring like it’s some bargain sale, eyeing Wendell as their new “prized possession.” Grêmio is particularly nostalgic about Wendell since he used to excel there back in 2014. They’re practically dusting off old yearbooks and reminiscing. “Remember when we thought we’d be together forever?”
The plot thickens when we consider that São Paulo wanted Wendell earlier this year—before opting to go with Jamal Lewis. Oh, the fickle nature of football! “Sure, Lewis, you’re great, but Wendell just called! He says he’s reconsidering… again!”
Now, here’s the kicker: São Paulo isn’t exactly loaded. They’ve got a cap of R$350 million for the upcoming year. It’s like planning a luxurious holiday on a shoestring budget. “Hmm, maybe we can stay in a nice hotel AND eat… instant noodles?” The financial constraints mean that while they dream big, they might need to pull up their bootstraps and tighten those belts.
On top of that, left-back is a major area of concern for São Paulo as they prep for 2025. With Welington hitting the road for Southampton and only Jamal Lewis left standing—who’s possibly eyeing an exit himself—it’s a position that needs filling faster than you can say “transfer market.”
To sum it up—São Paulo is in pursuit of Wendell, with a ton of competition and a financial leash to consider. It’s a wild football transfer saga full of ambition, nostalgia, and financial gymnastics. So grab your popcorn folks; this is one drama where the characters change but the plot remains delightfully chaotic! And remember, just like in football, if you don’t shoot, you don’t score!
Now, if you’re itching to catch São Paulo in action, they’ve got some matches coming up that you won’t want to miss. Check your listings, and let’s hope they can score a few points—both on the pitch and in the transfer market!
Still striving to secure a spot in the Copa Libertadores, São Paulo has pinpointed a key target to bolster Luis Zubeldía’s roster for the 2025 season.
The Tricolor has initiated discussions with left-back Wendell, who currently plays for Porto and has recently earned call-ups to the Brazilian national team under coach Dorival Júnior.
As reported by Trivela, the São Paulo management has been in steady communication with Wendell since mid-year and has already explored potential opportunities for 2025 with the player.
Wendell prioritizes remaining within European football for the upcoming season, echoing sentiments shared during the previous transfer window.
However, the left-back expressed intrigue about what he heard and displayed genuine interest in a potential return to Brazil to join São Paulo.
The 30-year-old has a contract with Porto that extends only until June 2025, and indications suggest that a renewal is unlikely. This situation affords him the opportunity to negotiate a pre-contract with a new club starting January 1st.
Due to his contractual predicament, Wendell has been sidelined in Portugal. Having been a regular starter for the past three seasons, he has only stepped onto the pitch for two matches in the ongoing 2024/25 season.
Wendell aims to reclaim his place at a European club to enhance his chances of making a return to the national team. Despite still being on Dorival Júnior’s radar, he was excluded from the latest squad lists due to a lack of game time.
Grêmio and Cruzeiro also show interest
Aside from São Paulo, the Grêmio is eager to bring Wendell back into their fold.
The Rio Grande do Sul Tricolor hopes to see him take the starting position from Reinaldo in 2025. Wendell made a significant impact while with Grêmio in 2014 before his transfer to Bayer Leverkusen.
While Wendell holds fond memories of Grêmio and is contemplating a return, Trivela reports that this isn’t on his immediate agenda for 2025.
The full-back represents a coveted asset for Tricolor Rio Grande do Sul, especially as they are poised to part ways with Reinaldo.
According to “GE,” the Cruzeiro is also considering a move for the Porto defender.
Previous attempts by São Paulo to recruit Wendell
Wendell has long been a target for São Paulo. The club previously attempted to secure the left-back’s signature in the last transfer window, prior to finalizing a deal with Jamal Lewis.
The offer from São Paulo was viewed as “very good” by the player’s representatives. Nevertheless, the pursuit proved unsuccessful when Wendell indicated that his preference was to continue his career in Europe.
✍️ Take note of Tricolor’s next games:
🆚 Red Bull Bragantino x São Paulo
🗓️ 11/20 (Wednesday), at 4:30 pm
🏟️ Nabi Abi Chedid
📍 Bragança Paulista
🏆 Brasileirão (34th round)
📺 Premiere🆚 São Paulo x Atlético-MG
🗓️ 11/23 (Saturday), at 9:30 pm
🏟️ MorumBIS
📍 São Paulo
🏆… pic.twitter.com/3z3DYhLmXp— São Paulo FC (@SaoPauloFC) November 10, 2024
Financial constraints may hinder the signing
However, financial challenges appear to pose a significant hurdle for São Paulo in their pursuit of Wendell.
The club faces a spending cap of R$350 million annually for football expenses starting in 2025.
This budgetary limit was established as a countermeasure to the creation of an investment fund aimed at generating R$240 million to address outstanding debts.
Left-back position is a priority
For 2025, São Paulo identifies the left-back position as a critical need for their team.
Welington, currently their starting left-back, is set to depart for Southampton, leaving Zubeldía with only Jamal Lewis to fill the role. Additionally, Lewis’s loan agreement concludes midway through the season.
Upcoming matches for São Paulo
- RB Bragantino x São Paulo – Brazilian Championship – Wednesday, November 20th, at 4:30 pm (Brasília time)
- São Paulo x Atlético-MG – Brazilian Championship – Saturday, November 23, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time)
- Grêmio x São Paulo – Brazilian Championship – Sunday, December 1st, at 4pm (Brasília time)
Where to watch São Paulo games live?
For those interested, Trivela features a dedicated section specifically for live broadcasts of São Paulo games, accessible by clicking here.
Where to Watch São Paulo Games Live?
A Trivela has a section dedicated exclusively to live broadcasts of São Paulo games. You can access this page by clicking here.
As São Paulo aims for a spot in the Copa Libertadores, they are targeting left-back Wendell from Porto to strengthen Luis Zubeldía’s squad for the 2025 season. Reports indicate that the club has been in touch with Wendell since mid-year, hoping to negotiate a deal and explore possibilities for his return to Brazil.
The Tricolor has initiated discussions with left-back Wendell, who currently plays for Porto and has recently earned call-ups to the Brazilian national team under coach Dorival Júnior.
Though Wendell is inclined to remain in Europe for now, he has shown interest in what São Paulo has to offer. With a contract with Porto lasting until June 2025 and an unlikely renewal, he can enter negotiations with new clubs starting January 1st, making the transfer market even more intriguing.
Grêmio and Cruzeiro Also Show Interest
Grêmio is keen on bringing Wendell back, aiming for him to fill the starting position vacated by Reinaldo. Wendell, who had a noteworthy tenure there in 2014, is also being eyed by Cruzeiro, showcasing the competition São Paulo faces for this talented left-back.
Previous Attempts by São Paulo to Recruit Wendell
This isn’t São Paulo’s first recruitment attempt; they previously pursued Wendell in the last transfer window before settling on Jamal Lewis. The absence of a successful deal left Wendell’s future in Europe open, but he remains a coveted target for São Paulo.
✍️ Take note of the Tricolor’s next games:
🆚 Red Bull Bragantino x São Paulo
🗓️ 11/20 (Wednesday), at 4:30 pm
🏟️ Nabi Abi Chedid
📍 Bragança Paulista
🏆 Brasileirão (34th round)
📺 Premiere🆚 São Paulo x Atlético-MG
🗓️ 11/23 (Saturday), at 9:30 pm
🏟️ MorumBIS
📍 São Paulo
🏆… pic.twitter.com/3z3D
As this transfer drama unfolds, fans should keep an eye on both the pitch and the market, as São Paulo navigates their financial constraints while attempting to reinforce their lineup. It promises to be an exciting season ahead!