Santos facing a losing battle of keeping the ’new Neymar’

Brazilian powerhouse Santos FC are trying to get their starlet Kaio Jorge to sign a new contract and thus avoid losing him on a cheap or, even worse, for free. It’s a nasty business sometimes but Santos can’t afford not to make a lot of money on the latest gem to come of their academy.

Kaio Jorge, their 19-year-old striker, is being regarded as one of the world’s most promising players. He’s being called the "new Neymar". Current Paris Saint-Germain star started his career at Santos just like the great Pele, so the media were quick to compare Kaio Jorge to the club’s icons. He made his professional debut for the first-team in September 2018, having been promoted to the senior side following a string of impressive displays in the youth ranks.

Although only a youngster, Kaio is already Santos’ first team regular. He’s already drawn a lot of interest from some of Europe’s biggest and richest clubs. Juventus, AS Roma, AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea and Arsenal just some of the clubs that are believed to be ready to pounce and secure the signature of the $14 million-rated striker.

Pele and Neymar have also worn the famous Santos FC shirt (©Getty/Gallo Images)

One potential problem for the Brazilian club’s directors is the fact that Kaio’s contract is due to expire at the end of December. Should the player decline to sign an extension, he’d be free to talk to any club in around three months and join whoever offers the best terms, leaving Santos with nothing. It’s the scenario they are dreading in Brazil and it’s something the club president Andres Rueda is desperate to avoid.

"Kaio’s situation is complicated. He is three or four months away from entering the period when he can sign a pre-contract with another team and leave for free, leaving nothing for Santos. We have been negotiating for more than a month. The biggest goal is not to sell. It is not to lose a player the club has invested in, believed in and given free space to develop. Keeping him is our priority."

Kaio Jorge is certain to move to Europe and blossom at some of the elite clubs. His performances already suggest that comparisons to Pele and Neymar are yet to come.