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CSKA Moscow drops out for João Santos at the last minute:
Leagues 19 August 2026

CSKA Moscow drops out for João Santos at the last minute:

CSKA Moscow abandons the transfer of João Santos. The Russian club found the €15 million requested by Göztepe too expensive and is now focusing on alternatives for the attack.

CSKA Moscow pulls out at the last minute for João Santos:

According to Championat.

Background

João Santos, trained at São Paulo, has developed into a promising striker since his move to Göztepe in 2024. His previous performances have attracted interest from CSKA Moscow, but now that the transfer has been called off, it remains to be seen what his future will hold. Göztepe will probably keep his price for Santos high, given the previous negotiations with CSKA.

Why this matters

CSKA Moscow's decision to abandon the transfer of João Santos has significant implications for their strategy in the summer transfer window. The Russian club, who are focused on strengthening their attack, must now quickly find alternatives in a competitive transfer market. This could also impact the development of Santos, who previously attracted significant interest following his performances at Göztepe.

Key points

  • CSKA Moscow pulls out at the last minute for João Santos:.
  • CSKA Moscow abandons the transfer of João Santos.
  • ЦСКА отказался от трансфера Жуана Сантоса перед медосмотром, известна причина — World CSKA.

CSKA Moscow has called off the intended transfer of João Santos. According to the usually well-established World CSKA, the club pulled the plug on the deal just before the Brazilian striker's planned medical examination. The reason is clear: the asking price of €15 million used by Göztepe was judged to be too high by the Muscovites. This suddenly brings an end to a file that was apparently nearing completion.

It is notable that previously Göztepe chairman Rasmus Ankersen publicly confirmed that negotiations with CSKA had been successfully completed and that both clubs had agreed on a transfer fee of €15 million. In that light, CSKA's change of course at the last minute looks all the more striking. The Russian club would now focus on other options to strengthen the attacking line, according to the same reports.

The situation therefore changes abruptly for João Santos. The Brazilian, trained at São Paulo, moved to Göztepe on loan from Southampton in 2024. A permanent contract with the Turkish club followed in the summer of 2025. His development at Göztepe generated a lot of interest, with CSKA as the most concrete candidate so far. Now that the Russian top club has dropped out, Göztepe seems to be clinging to the strong appreciation for the striker for the time being.

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Transfers that fail in the final phase remain a permanent part of the football world. The medical examination is often the final step, but financial conditions remain the subject of consideration until the last moment. The fact that CSKA is making the decision now may indicate a recalibration of priorities in the selection structure or a renewed comparison with alternative targets for the vanguard.

For CSKA, this means that the hunt for attacking reinforcements continues. The club wantshave sufficient scoring ability towards the new season, but in this case choose not to exceed their own financial limit. For Göztepe, the outcome remains twofold: either the club retains a valued attacker, or it waits for a new candidate who can meet the asking price.

However it turns out, the striking twist underlines the dynamics of the summer transfer period: apparently completed deals can still turn upside down when price, timing or strategic choices shift. João Santos will therefore remain a Göztepe player for the time being, while CSKA continues to look for a striker who fits within the plan sportingly and financially.

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What's happening now

With CSKA Moscow now focusing on other options, Göztepe are likely to maintain their appreciation for João Santos. The Turkish club could now get the chance to further prove its worth in the Süper Lig, while CSKA may explore other players in the Russian Premier League or beyond. The coming weeks will be crucial for both clubs in their search for reinforcements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is João Santos?

João Santos is a Brazilian striker who trained at São Paulo.

Which club does João Santos come from?

João Santos comes from Göztepe, where he previously played on loan from Southampton.

Why did CSKA Moscow cancel the transfer of João Santos?

CSKA Moscow called off the transfer because Göztepe's asking price of €15 million was judged to be too high.

What is the status of the deal for João Santos?

The deal for João Santos has been aborted, despite earlier confirmations of successful negotiations between CSKA and Göztepe.

What is João Santos' role at Göztepe?

João Santos has developed into a valued player at Göztepe, which led to interest from other clubs, including CSKA.

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