No Return To Lazio, Marcos Antonio Joins Sao Paulo Permanently

The chapter is officially closed: Marcos Antonio will not return to Rome this summer. The Brazilian midfielder, who spent the last season on loan at Sao Paulo, is set to continue his journey in Brazil after the Tricolor decided to exercise their option to buy, reportedly for around €4.2 million. The deal, which was initially structured as a loan with an option (and potentially an obligation) to purchase, is now moving towards a permanent transfer.

The confirmation comes from SkySport’s Manuele Baiocchini, who revealed that Sao Paulo are finalizing the deal, marking the end of Marcos Antonio’s time with Lazio.

Sao Paulo coach Zubeldía has been vocal about his desire to keep the 24-year-old at the club. “I am optimistic. I think they will resolve the situation and he will stay with us. It’s great to see him play alongside Alisson in midfield – they are responsible for much of the football we produce today,” the coach commented.

For Lazio, this marks the conclusion of a significant investment that never truly paid off. Signed from Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer of 2022 for €7.5 million, Marcos Antonio struggled to break into the Biancoceleste’s first team. Following limited opportunities, he was loaned out to PAOK and then to Sao Paulo, where he made 32 appearances and provided two assists this past season.

With his contract situation now resolved, Lazio can look forward to reinvesting the transfer fee into new market opportunities, while Marcos Antonio gets a fresh start in his home country where he has finally found continuity and confidence.