Água Santa has no calendar and players from the biggest underdog in Paulistão 2023 have different futures

The cast of holy water who made history by reaching the final of the Paulistan ceased to exist after the final whistle at Allianz. With no national division (yet), the Diadema team no longer has a calendar for the season. The “heroes” of the campaign will need to go to other clubs to remain active. Some highlights already have a certain destination, like top scorer Bruno Mezenga. Others, valued for performance, define the future in the week.

When Água Santa overcame Bragantino, on penalties, in the Paulistão semifinal, coach Thiago Carpini shed light on the fact that the team was in danger of running out of players for the second duel of the final. That’s because the domestic transfer window closed on April 3, five days before the final, and players with a pre-contract with other teams had to present themselves to their new clubs. The issue sensitized the CBF, which extended the period of transactions between Brazilian teams until the 20th. Thus, Água was able to count on its entire squad in the defeat against Palmeiras yesterday.

Of the first team, eight athletes already know where they will play. The most emblematic case is that of Mezenga. The 34-year-old striker renewed with Água Santa and agreed his loan until the end of the year with Santos.

He arrived in January, scored seven goals in 14 games and stayed with Paulistão’s vice-artillery. “The hiring of Mezenga happened four hands, with me and Carpini. We needed a center forward with presence in the area, experienced and within our salary reality. That’s when the chance arose”, said Julio Rondinelli, soccer executive from the club. “Mezenga is a very professional guy, who trains a lot, takes care of his food. An example for the other athletes.”

Another on his way to Santos is right-back Gabriel Inocêncio, improvised on the left by Carpini. Who also has chances to play in a Serie A team is midfielder Luan Dias. Rondinelli claims that the club received polls from Corinthians, Santos, São Paulo, Botafogo and Cruzeiro, but no proposal was put on the table. Água Santa expects to receive around R$ 3 million for 50% of the athlete’s contract, revealed in the team’s youth categories.

SERIE B

The other holders will have Serie B as their destination. Goalkeeper Ygor Vinhas and defender Didi will be loaned to Avai. Defender Marcondes and midfielder Igor Henrique are on their way to Vila Nova. Midfielder Thiaguinho and lateral Reginaldo go to Ituano and Juventude, respectively. Todinho renewed, but still hasn’t settled his loan. ABC, Vitória and Juventude are interested. Tocantins can leave without renewing. The same happens with Rodrigo Sam, captain who was suspended from the finals for the red received against Bragantino. Mirassol and Fortaleza want the player.

Água Santa protected itself and extended the bond of most of the players before loaning them out. They will be transferred with a purchase option which, if not exercised, guarantees their return to the club. The coach has renewed his contract until 2024. He is going to Europe to finish a course at Uefa and then he will do internships at different clubs in Brazil. Água Santa wants to reach Série B in 2026 with him in charge. l