São Paulo move fast to secure key defender before derby | OneFootball

São Paulo are closing in on an agreement to extend Alan Franco’s contract, expecting a resolution before the club’s high-profile derby against Corinthians on the 19th, according to Arquibancada Tricolor.

The Argentine centre-back is in the final months of his existing deal and, with the contract set to expire at the end of the year, is now eligible to negotiate freely with other clubs. Despite this, São Paulo remain optimistic about securing his services for at least another two years. Negotiations between the club and Franco’s representative, Kristian Bereit, have been ongoing for several weeks, and Bereit was at the Barra Funda training complex for further discussions at the start of this week.

The framework on the table would see Franco sign for an additional two seasons, with an option for a third if certain performance targets are met. While salary details are still being ironed out, sources close to the club downplay the risk of finances jeopardizing the deal, with both parties seemingly eager to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

Franco, 27, has become an integral part of São Paulo’s defensive line since arriving at the club, offering consistency and experience across competitions. The move to secure his future has gained urgency given both his contractual status and the looming Majestoso encounter, with São Paulo keen to avoid distractions ahead of a key fixture in their campaign.

By acting decisively in contract talks, São Paulo aim to provide defensive continuity and minimize uncertainty as they attempt to fortify the squad for both the long-term and the immediate run-in.

(Source: Arquibancada Tricolor)

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