ALFREDO MORELOS could soon return to a new club.
In fact, the Rangers hero’s current club is in a pretty dangerous situation, and that could have a direct impact on his future.
Morelos, 27, left the Light Blues at the end of last season due to a first overhaul of the Ibrox squad.
After nearly three months as a free agent, he finally signed with Santos in September on a two-year contract.
But it’s fair to say that things haven’t gone well so far for Morelos in Brazil.
So far, he has been injured for a maximum of 3 months in the country.
After making his debut in mid-September, he reappeared on 8 October, injuring his calf in training.
It was thought that the injury could end his season, however, he was again among the substitutes last week when Santos faced Fluminense.
And fans were furious that the Colombian left an unused replacement in a 3-0 defeat, with the team desperate to score goals.
Santos returned to action last night, facing Athletico Paranaense in their penultimate match of the season: the Brazilian crusade is played on another schedule towards the European leagues.
Once again, Morelos was a substitute and once again, fans were fuming.
Pele’s old club Santos, one of the giants of the Brazilian game, are in real danger of a first-ever relegation from the top tier.
And last night some issues were desperately opposed to Atletico-PR.
They appeared to be heading into the break goalless before tying the score six minutes into first-half stoppage time.
Santos’ need was great and they were desperate for goals – but coach Marcelo Fernandes didn’t bring Morelos on for his third Santos appearance until the 92nd minute.
By then, they were already 2-0 down and conceded a third moments after Morelos’ arrival.
While the striker didn’t score, he did manage to pick up a yellow card despite only being on the pitch for a few minutes.
Santos fans once flooded social media with frustration over the former Rangers player’s lack of involvement.
One blasted: “It’s very strange to see Alfredo Morelos on the bench.”
Another added: “The coach is scared. Put on Morelos and let’s go.”
A third said: “You have to put on Morelos!”
Another reminded his fans: “Morelos has one of the team’s salaries. “
Having been in the relegation zone when Morelos arrived, they have controlled to gain some places in the table, but are still in trouble.
With ONE game left in Brazil’s Serie A season, Santos could be relegated on the final day.
And it means Morelos could effectively be playing for his future.
In fact, as SunSport revealed in September, a clause has been inserted into his contract that could leave him free if Santos are relegated.
And that decline is a possibility.
Four fell to Brazil and the last 3 spots were sealed.
But the final place will be decided on the last day with Santos, Vasco da Gama and Bahia all battling to avoid the drop.
Santos are 15th on 43 points, a point clear of Vasco who themselves are a point ahead of Bahia.
And all 3 will have a home game to close out the season.
Santos and Morelos host Fortaleza, while Vasco hosts Pedro Caixinha’s Red Bull Bragantino.
Bahia will face Atletico Mineiro and they will all take positions early Thursday morning UK time.
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