Roma are reportedly set to sign Santos striker Marcos Leonardo after all, but the move is likely to take place in the January transfer window. The Giallorossi have been pushing to sign the young Brazilian talent, but talks with Santos were thought to have reached a stalemate after they decided they would hang on to the 20-year-old.
Brazilian football expert Nathan Joyes reports that Roma are likely to still get their man in deal worth around €10 million, but the move is most likely to take place in the early part of next year.
Il Tempo newspaper also reports that the agreement will indeed come under the initial fixed fee of €12 million which Roma suggested in this summer window.
Leonardo was asked about the failed move after Santos’ victory over Gremio, in which he scored a goal in their 2-1 victory:
“What happened hurts me and the club, the president had promised to let me go and he knew that I would leave in this transfer window, but that’s fine, now everything is resolved.”
“I stayed out against Fortaleza because I wasn’t focused, Roma’s offer was all I could think about. It was what I wanted the most.”
“I decided to stay and help the team. I never thought of running away from the club that raised me.”
