Paulo Henrique Ganso Moves To São Paulo From Santos (original) (raw)

One of Brazil's brightest young stars, Paulo Henrique Ganso, has left one of the Brasileiro's top clubs for another. The 22-year-old, who had interest from several of Europe's top clubs, has signed for São Paulo from Santos.

The deal will see São Paulo pay Santos £7.5 million for 32% of his rights and investors will own his remaining economic rights. If Ganso is sold by São Paulo in the next two years, Santos will get 5% of any profit on the deal.

"I'm very happy, a fulfilled wish. Since São Paulo showed interest in signing me and I wanted that the deal to happen quickly," Ganso told the Sao Paulo website. "I thank the interest from other clubs, but Sao Paulo moved me. Now that everything worked out, I can't wait to give back on the pitch. Everything was done the correct way and I can say today that I'm very happy for joining São Paulo."

Ganso scored 11 goals in 63 matches for Santos and teamed with Neymar to create one of the most potent attacks in South America. He helped Santos to the Copa Libertadores title in 2011, the club's first South American championship since 1963 and added thee consecutive State titles, including the State and Cup double in 2010, as well.

Ganso already has three assists in eight caps for Brazil and many expect him to play a crucial role for Brazil in the 2014 World Cup. If he plays well there, São Paulo will be able to make a pretty penny on the sale of the then-24-year-old Ganso.

In the meantime, Ganso will try to help São Paulo move up from its current fifth place spot in the Brasileiro and into the top four, which would earn them a Copa Libertadores place. His move to the Morumbi also gives São Paulo an excellent replacement for Lucas Moura, who will leave for PSG in January.