São Paulo have confirmed their interest in signing West Ham striker Jonathan Calleri. In a press conference today, football director José Jacobson Neto confirmed the club want the transfer, even though it’s still considered to be very difficult to achieve.
“I think we lack a number nine,” he told journalists (via Globo Esporte). “Otherwise, I think we’re well prepared for this first semester. Calleri is interested, but there is the problem with the investor group, who paid a lot for him and want him to stay in European football, even if he doesn’t stay in West Ham.
“São Paulo can’t invest anything, it’s out of our reality. In addition, a six-month loan does not interest us. I can’t bring Calleri for a short time again. Last year, we had the Libertadores.”
Calleri played for São Paulo for a short period last year, between January and July. The 23 year old managed to score 16 goals for the club and ended up becoming a favourite among fans.
But São Paulo were just being used by a group of investors who, after buying the player for €10m from Boca Juniors, wanted a Brazilian club as a showcase to sell him to Europe.
Things obviously never happened as expected, as the Argentine striker is still to score a goal for West Ham. Now as they wait for other offers from Europe, Calleri has reportedly rejected a move to La Liga side UD Las Palmas.
His father is said to be pretty upset with the situation, especially because the player’s desire would be to return to São Paulo.
