Alfredo Morelos has returned to action for Santos but it might be too late to stop the Brazilian giants from getting relegated from Serie A for the first time – one man that might be able to is Marcos Leandro.
The Brazilian Under-20 international was in fine form during the youth World Cup earlier this year and caught the eye of several top clubs.
Form that he has carried into Santos season where he has been outstanding, despite most of his teammates not being able to keep pace with the next Neymar in Marcos Leandro who is now, according to Metro, linked with a move to Europe.
Morelos’ fate could hinge on Santos striker Marcos Leandro
Brazilian wonderkids are always going to be the hottest property and, on this occasion, this one is no different.
According to Metro, Real Madrid have joined the race for the forward who has made over 150 appearances already for Santos.
The fee Fabrizio Romano claims could be as little as £17.5m.
What this could do is leave Morelos with a decision to make.
Yes, he has a clause in his Santos contract that claims he can leave for free if they are relegated but, in Marcos Leandro, they have a pretty good reason why they probably won’t be.
Leandro is almost certain to leave when the next transfer window opens and, if Santos stay up, El Bufalo instantly moves up the pecking order.
He might not have seen much game time since joining a few months ago, however, with a full pre-season, he could be the man Santos manager Marcelo Fernandes turns to in the absence of Marcos Leandro.
What the future holds for Alfredo Morelos is uncertain and, even after signing for Santos, there were reports that he was eyeing a swift return to Europe.
If Santos are a striker short and retain their status in Serie A, he might not get the chance to though.
