Part 2/6:
On Tuesday evening, it appeared that Santos was on the verge of sealing a deal for Thiago Maia, who was previously under contract with Internacional. According to reports, the negotiations had advanced significantly, with Santos agreeing to assume a €4 million debt owed to Flamengo stemming from Maia's transfer to Internacional. Additionally, Santos was prepared to pay €2.5 million in compensation to Internacional: €2 million due upfront and €500,000 payable thirty days after the contract signing.
However, just as the deal seemed poised for completion, complications arose. Santos claims that Internacional suddenly demanded the entire €2.5 million upfront at the last moment, prompting club president Marcelo Teixeira to withdraw from the negotiation.