Former AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato is on the verge of leaving Corinthians to join rivals Sao Paulo in a swap deal which would send Jadson to the Estádio do Pacaembu, ESPN FC understands.
Pato, who joined Corinthians for a fee of €15 million in January 2013, struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at Corinthians, with more than half of his appearances coming as a substitute.
The Brazil international, 24, totaled 17 goals in 62 appearances in all competitions for the Brasileirão giants but was the subject of criticism from angry fans during a protest at the club’s training centre last weekend.
“If we have decided to do this, you understand that we consider it to be a positive thing,” said Corinthians manager Mano Menezes.
“The arrival of Jadson gives us the chance to do what we want to do, and it is positive for Pato as well.
“Sao Paulo thought the same as us. Everyone involved, under the circumstances, understood that this was a positive move to improve things for everyone.”
Jadson, 30, was a member of the Brazil squad that won the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup last summer.
However, the 30-year-old midfielder has since fallen on hard times, failing to produce any noteworthy performances over the past several months.
Since returning to Brazil in a deal worth €4 million after seven-plus seasons with Ukrainian powerhouse FC Shakhtar Donetsk, Jadson has scored 21 goals in 118 appearances across all competitions for Sao Paulo.
Valencia strike deal for Otamendi
Valencia CF have confirmed F.C. Porto defender Nicolas Otamendi will officially join the club in the summer, according to the club’s official website, Valenciacf.com.
The Argentina international, 25, has signed a five-year contract at the Mestalla, with Porto reportedly receiving an initial transfer fee in the region of €12 million for the 25-year-old.
Otamendi was the subject of reported interest from a host of top European clubs — including the likes of Manchester United, Monaco and Zenit St Petersburg — during the January transfer window but no deal materialised.
Nonetheless, he is delighted to join Valencia, who are currently in 8th-place in the La Liga table.
“After playing for a club like Porto – a huge, prestigious club – it is an honour to join a club like Valencia CF for this next stage of my career,” Otamendi told Valencia’s official website.
“Valencia CF are one of the most historic and attractive teams in Spain and in Europe, and I am very happy with this next step in my footballing life.
“I know that Argentinian players have been an important part of Valencia CF’s history. To wear the same shirt as Mario Kempes, Roberto Ayala, Pablo Aimar and many more is a responsibility that I will take on with much joy and excitement.”
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