Santos director Alexandre Gallo shuts down Marcos Leonardo’s move to Roma

Newly appointed Santos sporting coordinator Alexandre Gallo reaffirmed the Brazilian side’s intent on not letting Marcos Leonardo join Roma.

During his introductory press conference, Gallo – who took over the position following Paulo Roberto Falcao’s resignation – said the club will not sell Leonardo in this transfer window.


“Santos, as it is, will not do this deal. We really want Leonardo back with us. He is a very important player – a player who has done only good things for the club,” Gallo said of Leonardo.

“We can only sell him in the case an incredible offer were presented to us. Not only that, we need him right now. We could consider negotiating his exit, but only for a transfer at the end of the year. This is the position of the club.”

“The most important thing is to make him stay because we really need him and the transfer window is already closed. I understand it perfectly. I was an athlete too. I know what he’s thinking. We can’t compete financially with any club in Europe but there are times, and this is the time to think about Santos.”