Christian Cueva Rumored to Join Club Sport Emelec

Christian Cueva, midfielder for the Peruvian national team, is rumored to reinforce Club Sport Emelec. After failing to shine this year at Santos in Brazil, and with the arrival of Portuguese coach Jesualdo Ferreira, he would not have a place in the Sao Paulo club.

Cueva, who arrived in February of this year at Pelé's team, had a "bad" year and only played in 17 matches, in which he did not stand out under the command of Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli.

"Mexican clubs have already shown interest, as well as Rosario Central from Argentina and Emelec from Ecuador. The big problem is that none of them will assume Santos' debt. In other words, no offer presented so far is for buying," details the Brazilian website UOL.

The management of the popular Brazilian team is in a dilemma whether to let the player go or reach an agreement with the Krasnodar team from Russia, the owner of his sporting rights.

If he stays, he should start paying one of the three installments for Cueva's transfer fee, valued at more than 6 million dollars; although this possibility would only complicate Santos' finances, which are facing a deficit.

About the Peruvian player, José Carlos Peres, president of Peixe, says that he admires the midfielder's football and his bad relationship with Sampaoli was key for him not to shine. Although UOL also comments that the player has attracted more attention for his behavior off the field. (D)