Part 2/7:

Belmonte elaborated on the financial challenges faced by São Paulo. The term "free transfer" is misleading, as it suggests that there would be no costs involved; however, the club would still need to pay a signing bonus and cover the player's salary. To afford this investment, significant player sales are necessary. The club currently grapples with a massive debt close to one billion reais, arising not just from football operations but various issues, including labor debts from prior administrations.