Alfredo Morelos hits Santos turbulence as Rangers hero's main man chance contrasts with 'complicated' cash flow issue

Alfredo Morelos is set to play a key role at Santos upon his return from injury, as financial complications look poised to thrust him front and centre.

The Rangers hero joined the South American giants in September after a lengthy hunt for a new club following his Premiership stint. But it was a calamitous start for him as he picked up a calf injury two games in that looks likely to rule him out of action until 2024. Santos have been threatened with relegation and there is a clause for the Colombian to move on if they go down, but it looks more unlikely now.

According to Lance, the Brazilians are poised to lose star striker Marcos Leonardo regardless of whether they survive or not in the 2023 season. But instead of recruiting a replacement, it's claimed "the tendency is for the club to bet on pieces from the current squad" of which Morelos is one.

Julio Dirch is the other primed to carry the load. And another forward in Bruno Mezenga is not expected to say with Santos balancing the books.

It's stated "Peixe's next year will be even more complicated financially" and that "Santos is counting on the money from the sale of Marcos Leonardo to have cash flow and honor commitments." So even with a sale, Leonardo funds would not be invested back into the squad.

Morelos' deal runs until 2025 but there is still some doubt. "The final decision will be left to the next administration" with Santos elections taking place on December 9th amid Marcelo Fernandes remaining as interim head coach for now, and there are "variables" that can change this scenario.