Midfielder Lima returned to Brazilian football by officially joining Santos on Friday, September 11, 2026, at the Vila Belmiro, revealing during his introductory press conference that he accepted a salary reduction to facilitate the move from Mexico, according to reporting by Lance and R7. The player joins the club on a short-term loan running only through the end of the current season.
Why Lima Accepted a Pay Cut to Join Santos
Negotiations between Lima and Santos moved swiftly while the midfielder was actively working to rescind his contract in Mexico, according to statements he made during his presentation covered by Lance and R7. “When I was rescinding in Mexico, Santos already reached out to me. I know the financial issues that were going on, but just the same, I talked with (Alexandre) Mattos, we adjusted very well on the salary issue, the reduction, to be able to be at this great club,” Lima stated, as reported by Lance and R7. The midfielder emphasized his belief in the squad’s potential down the stretch of the campaign despite the club’s ongoing financial constraints.
Contract Terms and the Copa Sudamericana Ambition
Lima arrives at Vila Belmiro on a loan deal valid solely through December 2026, though a potential renewal with Fluminense for 2027 remains a future possibility, according to R7 and Lance. “It’s a short contract. I came to help in this rest of the season. About next year, later we talk, because I still have a contract with Fluminense, we sit down and align later,” Lima explained to reporters, via Lance and R7. The player highlighted the team’s pursuit of silverware as a primary motivator, specifically noting the Copa Sudamericana campaign where Santos holds a 2-0 aggregate lead over Atlético-MG in the quarterfinals.
Tactical Flexibility and Physical Readiness
Regarding his position on the pitch, Lima expressed willingness to fill multiple roles across the midfield and forward line, drawing comparisons to his early days at Fluminense where he operated as a tactical “joker,” according to coverage by Lance and R7. Physically, the midfielder confirmed he feels well and has already held initial discussions with coach Cuca regarding his readiness to play full matches. “In relation to the physical question, I’m well. I’m evolving every day here with Santos. I had been training normally, I just took a few days to resolve the issues and decisions from Mexico, but I’m well, I’ve already talked with Cuca,” Lima told the press, as cited by Lance and R7.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When was Lima presented by Santos?
According to Lance and R7, Lima was officially presented at the Vila Belmiro on Friday afternoon, September 11, 2026. -
How long is Lima’s contract with Santos?
Lima joined Santos on a short-term loan agreement that runs until the end of the 2026 season, with future discussions regarding 2027 dependent on his parent club, Fluminense, as reported by Lance and R7. -
Which club did Lima transfer from?
Lima returned to Brazilian football after playing in Mexico, where he was in the process of rescinding his previous contract before finalizing his move to Santos, according to R7 and Lance.
Pro Tip: Stay updated on all official club announcements, match schedules, and player stats by following the official Santos news channels and keeping track of the team’s knockout progression in international tournaments.
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