Pablo Maia’s agent is playing down the chance of a move to Europe in the January transfer window with Premier League trio Fulham, Nottingham Forest and West Ham United keen on the midfielder, speaking to UOL.
If Casemiro sits at one end of the spectrum of Brazilian midfielders, with AC Milan legend Kaka at the other, then 20-year-old Pablo Maia probably falls somewhere in the middle. Equal parts distributor, equal parts destroyer.
A tally of seven yellow cards in 22 starts for Sao Paulo in 2022 shows that Maia is not averse to dipping into the dark arts when required. He is, however, still a footballer born and raised in the land of Jogo Bonito, and don’t be surprised to see Maia follow up a typically well-timed interception with a mazy dribble; turning defence into attack in an instant.
“Pablo Maia plays as the (deep-lying) midfielder. He gives security to our defence,” explains Sao Paulo chief Muricy Ramalho; highlighting the youngster’s role at both ends of the pitch. “He has a good pass too. He’s not just about marking (opposition forwards).
“Nowadays, the midfielder has to play too, and he has a good pass. Of course, he does the simple things, but he keeps the ball. He gives stability to Sao Paulo.”
West Ham, Fulham and Nottingham Forest like Sao Paulo midfielder Pablo Maia
Maia admitted last week that playing in Europe would be a ‘dream’. And while it seems only a matter of time before he’s boarding a flight across the Atlantic, Maia’s agent insists that there is no reason to rush things with a winter move unlikely.
“We have many queries. He has caught the attention of the international market,” explains representative Junior Pedroso. “But we are waiting to see if any club will formalise an offer. Anyway, he is maturing. And it won’t be bad to stay another six months in Sao Paulo.”
Fulham have had an opening bid of £6.5 million rejected. Nottingham Forest and West Ham are also interested, with Pedroso indicating that Maia is likely to leave Sao Paulo for a damn sight less than his £43 million release clause.
The Brazilian giants will reportedly accept £9 million, per Jorge Nicola.
“The release clause is high, but it doesn’t match reality,” the agent adds. “In the European winter window, it is difficult for a club to have a budget for a young player who still needs to adapt.”
Interestingly, West Ham are already on the verge of sealing a deal for another highly-rated young Brazilian; Maia’s Sao Paulo team-mate Luizao.
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