Lionel Messi's former Argentina manager in talks to coach Neymar at Santos after Pedro Caixinha's dismissal

Caixinha was relieved of his duties after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Fluminense. The result capped off a turbulent run of results for the Portuguese tactician, who oversaw 16 matches during his Santos tenure, managing just six wins, three draws, and seven defeats, with the winter return of club icon Neymar doing little to stem the tide.

According to TNT Sports, Santos held a high-level meeting on Monday, April 14, to assess possible replacements. Former Argentina and Sevilla boss Jorge Sampaoli quickly emerged as the frontrunner. Talks between the club and the Argentine coach are said to have gone positively, sparking optimism among fans who remember his successful first spell at Vila Belmiro.

Prior to turning their attention to Sampaoli, who coached Lionel Messi and Argentina at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the Santos board explored several other prominent options. High-profile Brazilian managers such as Tite, Dorival Júnior, and Luís Castro were all approached, but each declined the opportunity to take over. With doors closing on those possibilities, Sampaoli has stepped into the spotlight as the club’s best chance to steady the ship.

CEO Pedro Martins is spearheading negotiations with the Argentine tactician, hoping to finalise an agreement swiftly with key league matches fast approaching. Sampaoli previously led Santos during the 2019 season, steering the team to a strong second-place finish in the Brazilian Championship. In 64 games in charge, he recorded 35 victories, 14 draws, and 15 losses. His side scored an impressive 102 goals while conceding 55.

Despite his on-field success, Sampaoli’s exit from the club was marred by off-field tension. A falling out with then-president José Carlos Peres led to his departure and a subsequent legal battle over unpaid dues. The court eventually ruled in Sampaoli’s favour, ordering Santos to pay R$ 4.4 million for various financial obligations.