Botafogo forward Matheus Martins is the target of a €7 million transfer bid from Russian club Dínamo Moscou, according to reporting by Torcedores.com, while teammate Santi Rodríguez faces stalled talks with the Columbus Crew due to pending financial matters involving Major League Soccer and judicial recovery. Despite these active market negotiations, interim coach Rodrigo Bellão deployed both players as second-half substitutes during a 3–2 Campeonato Brasileiro defeat to Athletico-PR at Estádio Nilton Santos, as reported by source texts.
Botafogo Evaluates €7 Million Bid From Dínamo Moscou for Matheus Martins
The potential departure of Matheus Martins represents the most advanced transfer discussion currently managed by Botafogo’s front office. Dínamo Moscou submitted a formal proposal of €7 million, which equals approximately R$ 7 million under current exchange rates, alongside a four-year contract offer for the Brazilian attacker, according to Torcedores.com. Botafogo originally acquired Martins in 2024 following his departure from Italian side Udinese for €10 million, or roughly R$ 10 million at the time. Since joining the Rio de Janeiro club, Martins has recorded 90 appearances, ten goals, and two assists, per Torcedores.com data.
Santi Rodríguez Faces Stalled Columbus Crew Negotiations Tied to MLS Debts
Negotiations regarding Santi Rodríguez involve complications beyond a simple player transfer fee. According to Torcedores.com, talks between Botafogo and the Columbus Crew for a permanent transfer remain frozen because of existing financial debts owed by the Brazilian club to MLS, compounded by ongoing judicial recovery proceedings. Botafogo invested heavily in February 2025 by paying a fixed fee of US$ 15 million, equivalent to about R$ 15 million, to secure the Uruguayan midfielder. Club management initially viewed Rodríguez as a tactical replacement for Thiago Almada, who had previously departed the squad. Over 57 appearances across all competitions, Rodríguez registered three goals and six assists, failing to replicate Almada’s impact, as noted by Torcedores.com.
Interim Coach Rodrigo Bellão Defends Using Transfer-Targeted Players
Facing roster adjustments and an exit from the Copa Sudamericana that leaves the Campeonato Brasileiro as the club’s sole remaining 2026 tournament, interim manager Rodrigo Bellão addressed his selection choices publicly. According to match reports, Bellão stated after the loss to Athletico-PR that any athlete wearing the club’s jersey remains available for selection. “Enquanto eles estão no Botafogo vestindo a camisa do Botafogo, são nossos jogadores, os quais estão trabalhando normalmente,” Bellão declared to reporters. The coach highlighted that Rodríguez entered the match from the bench and scored two goals, reinforcing his policy to utilize all dedicated squad members until concrete transfer agreements are finalized.
Did You Know?
Botafogo’s current squad management is heavily focused on the Campeonato Brasileiro after exiting continental competition, placing extra weight on every available matchday contributor under interim leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the transfer fee offered for Matheus Martins?
Why are the negotiations for Santi Rodríguez stalled?
Talks with the Columbus Crew are currently frozen due to debts owed by Botafogo to MLS and the club’s judicial recovery process, as reported by Torcedores.com.
How did interim coach Rodrigo Bellão justify playing both athletes?
Bellão stated that as long as the players train normally and wear the Botafogo jersey without a finalized transfer, he will utilize them when necessary, pointing out that Rodríguez scored two goals after coming off the bench against Athletico-PR.
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