São Paulo’s effort to sign Marcos Leonardo did not succeed, according to UOL. The club spent nearly 15 hours in discussions with Saudi team Al-Hilal on deadline day, holding over ten meetings with executives and head coach Simone Inzaghi.
Directors met early at the Barra Funda training center, eager to bring the striker back to Brazil. “We spoke with everyone they put forward and tried to persuade them,” a source involved in the talks stated.
The negotiations were described as intense, featuring heated debates and repeated efforts to finalize a deal. Despite São Paulo’s determination, Al-Hilal did not agree to release the player, who is viewed as crucial for Inzaghi’s plans.
The failed deal highlights the increasing difficulties Brazilian clubs face against the financial power of Middle Eastern teams. With the transfer window now closed, São Paulo will proceed without the player they had aimed to sign for the season.
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