Manchester United target Marcos Leonardo is all-but certain to leave Santos now after the Premier League-linked centre-forward suffered a historic relegation from Brazil’s top flight.
This was not the way it was supposed to go.
Marcos Leonardo may have dreamed of riding off into the sunset, a la former Santos starlets Neymar, Rodrygo and Robinho. But should he depart in January – and he almost definitely will – Leonardo’s inevitable farewell is now bound to feel more than a little tainted.
The Manchester United linked striker was dropped for the recent 3-0 defeat by Athletic Paranaense after alleged indiscipline behind the scenes, just weeks after he captained the senior Santos side for the very first time (UOL).
And while Leonardo was back in the XI when Fortaleza came to town today, his return was not enough to save Santos’ skin.
Marcos Leonardo relegated with Santos
Relegated for the first time in their 111-year history, Leonardo alone could not keep heads above water, the ship sinking and the club’s star players reaching for the lifeboats.
Leonardo, linked with Man United by The Sun and Gazzetta dello Sport, was already expected to be on his way in the New Year, regardless of whether Santos stayed up or went down.
“Already in the previous transfer window, he had the possibility of being sold,” Rafaela Pimenta, who took over from the late Mino Raiola following the iconic agent’s death in 2022, told Calciomercato.
“But Santos’ sporting situation was very particular. He accepted to stay because he wanted to help out until the end of the season. He didn’t want to leave because it wasn’t the right thing to do.
“But (now), the time has come for the transfer. He wants to have a European experience, and his time will come this winter.”
Manchester United’s own Sergio Aguero?
Leonardo, who scored 21 goals in all competitions even for a struggling Santos side this season, is reportedly valued at around £25 million, though it remains to be seen if relegation affects his price-tag.
And while he may wear yellow and green at international level, one South American expert sees similarities between Leonardo and a man who represented his country in blue and white.
“There is a kind of (Sergio) Aguero-type striker there,” Tim Vickery tells talkSPORT, drawing comparisons with the Manchester City legend.
“(Leonardo) is not particularly tall but comes alive in the penalty box, and I think there is talent there as well. He has got that ability in tight spaces. That kind of Aguero or Romario-type ability.”
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
