Santos Closing In On Kléberson

Holding midfielder Kléberson is close to making a return to his native Brazil after a stormy five years abroad…

The player was a first eleven member of the Seleção Brasileira that won Brazil’s fifth and most recent World Cup in Japan 2002. That earned the midfielder a transfer from Atlético Mineiro to Manchester United but he flopped under Fergie.

Kléberson ended up moving to Turkish greats Besiktas (pictured) mbut his second chance in Europe turned sour after an initial honeymoon and the player has taken the club to FIFA for back payments that he claims total $2.3 million.

This should allow him to sever his ties and sign on as a free agent for the club where Pelé shone. Expecting the deal to be sealed at any moment the player has been getting back to match fitness at the CT Rei Pelé (King Pelé Training Centre) in Santos.

Coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo (ex-Real Madrid and Brazil) is keen to count on the player. “He showed real class and a refined touch when he played for Brazil and would be a quality reinforcement for the Santos squad”, explained the tactician.

“He left Brazil quite young (22 years old) and wasn’t able to grow or apply his best side in Europe but I’m confident that he still has a lot to offer”, added Luxemburgo who’s been lobbying for a holding midfielder as Chilean star Maldonado looks likely to be sold on.