Full-back Rodinei, a key player in Flamengo‘s 2022 Copa Libertadores da América triumph, is back in Brazilian football. The player was announced as a new signing for Santos, where he will reunite with former Rubro-Negro teammates such as Willian Arão and Gabigol. Rodinei had been playing for Olympiacos in Greece since early 2023.
The transfer, as reported by journalist Venê Casagrande, resulted in a two-and-a-half-year contract with the São Paulo club. Despite maintaining his starting position in the Greek team, Olympiacos gave the green light for the player’s representatives to seek new offers, and the offer from Santos was deemed satisfactory.
Mission at Peixe
Rodinei‘s arrival at Santos carries the expectation of being a turning point for the team this season. The Peixe is going through a delicate moment in the Campeonato Brasileiro, currently sitting in 14th place, just one point above the relegation zone. A loss in their next match against Corinthians at the Neo Química Arena could plunge the club into the dreaded Z4 (relegation zone).
Successful Trajectory at Flamengo
Signed by Flamengo in 2016, Rodinei departed the club in 2022 after failing to reach an agreement for a contract renewal. During his tenure with the Rubro-Negro, the full-back reached his peak in 2022, playing a decisive role in the Libertadores and Copa do Brasil victories. In the continental final, he made the play that led to Gabigol‘s goal against Athletico-PR. In the Copa do Brasil final, he scored the penalty that secured the title.
The player also had a loan spell at Internacional between 2020 and 2021. In addition to recent glories, Rodinei was part of the victorious squad that won the Libertadores and the Brasileirão in 2019, among other trophies.
Expert Opinion
Rodinei‘s transfer generated reactions among analysts. Pedro Paulo Catonho, a journalist for Coluna do Fla, stated:
I’m surprised by Rodinei’s return to Brazil. He was doing well at Olympiacos, even captained the team, and won the Conference League… To leave all that to play for Santos, which is in a serious crisis on and off the field? I think it’s a risky move.
However, he acknowledged the impact for Peixe:
However, for Santos, it’s great news. Despite being 34 years old, Rodinei is someone who takes care of himself physically and can give a boost to the team coached by Cuca. There will be no lack of chemistry with his friends Arão and Gabigol. We’ll see how it turns out.
Rodinei‘s arrival represents a significant reinforcement for Santos, as they aim to reverse their unstable performance in the league. The full-back’s experience and winning mentality could be crucial for the remainder of the season.
