Santos to be put up for sale. Among the interested parties are Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Chelsea owners
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
Santos is considering a transformation into a public limited sports company (SAF), potentially paving the way for the club's sale. While the team has not yet been officially put on the market, several interested parties have already expressed their desire to acquire the historic Brazilian side.
According to Diario do Peixe, Santos' net worth is estimated at €346 million, which could make it the most expensive sale of a Brazilian club in history. The club continues its search for a new owner as it prepares to make one of the most significant decisions in recent decades.
The board of directors has been discussing the possibility of privatization for several months, which would involve selling up to 90% of the club's capital. Several major international players have shown interest in Santos, including Chelsea via BlueCo, Qatar via QSI, and Saudi Arabia via PIF. Meanwhile, rumors of a possible sale involving Neymar remain unconfirmed: there are no preliminary agreements between the club and NR Sports, the company associated with the player.
It's worth noting that Santos' return to Brazil's top flight has been fraught with serious challenges: the club is battling debts owed to former players and coaches, failed sponsorship deals, and a sporting crisis as they find themselves in the relegation zone. By the end of 2024, the club's total debt had surpassed €150 million, and the season has turned out far from what was expected after Neymar's return.
