Football Season Guide

Serie A
Brazil
Serie A
2018
Santos FC
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Santos FC

In


Eduardo Sasha (att) (Internacional – on loan), Gabriel Barbosa (att) (Internazionale – on loan), Dodo (def) (Sampdoria – on loan), Yuri (mid) (GO Audax)

Out


Vladimir Hernandez (r)(att) (Atletico Nacional), Lucas Lima (r)(mid) (Palmeiras), Ricardo Oliveira (r)(att) (Atletico Mineiro), Lucas Crispim (sp)(att) (Sao Bento), Matheus Oliveira (sp)(att) (RB Brasil – on loan), Lucas Otavio (sp)(mid) (Ituano – on loan), Fabian Noguera (sp)(def) (Estudiantes – on loan), Matheus Ribeiro (sp)(def) (Puebla – on loan), Romaria (def) (Ceara – on loan), Serginho (sp)(mid) (America FC – on loan), Orinho (sp)(def) (Ponte Preta – on loan)

Santos managed to climb up to the highest ranks in the Serie A over the recent years, but sealing the title has seemed a bridge too far until now. The side from the Sao Paulo region finished second back in 2016 and they pushed for glory again last year. Corinthians showed more consistency, however, and Santos finished third eventually due to their goal difference (Palmeiras grabbed the second spot). That goal difference will be something to monitor this season as Santos only managed to produce 42 goals last season in 38 Serie A matches, which just isn't good enough if the title is the object. Manager Jair Ventura will have to come up with a solution for the lack of goals, but he will have his work cut out. Santos' transfer period was relatively quiet and it remains to be seen if they can push for the top spot in 2018. Gabriel Barbosa and Dodo came over on loan from Internazionale and Sampdoria respectively and they could push the performance to a higher level. Ricardo Oliveira and Lucas Lima left the club, however, which wasn't the best news for this outfit. The quality should be there to push for a top spot again, but actually sealing the title could be beyond them.

Target


Santos will try to stay in the race for the title for as long as possible. A top five classification will be a realistic goal again.