Ferraresi Completes Loan Move to Botafogo with Option to Buy
Venezuelan defender Nahuel Ferraresi has officially joined Botafogo on loan from São Paulo, with the Rio de Janeiro club holding an option to make the transfer permanent. The move was finalized on Thursday, March 5, 2026, with Ferraresi already traveling to Rio to undergo medical examinations and sign his contract.
Deal Details
The loan agreement will see Ferraresi remain with Botafogo until the end of 2026. São Paulo will receive R$ 800,000 for the loan period, and Botafogo will cover the player’s full salary during his time with the club. The option to buy is set at 6 million euros (approximately R$ 36 million) plus an additional 1 million euros (approximately R$ 6 million) in potential bonuses, bringing the total potential transfer fee to nearly R$ 45 million.
São Paulo’s Perspective
São Paulo is reportedly looking at potential savings of almost R$10 million by the end of the year with the departures of both Alisson and Ferraresi. The club had been negotiating a loan deal for Ferraresi for some time, with initial talks occurring earlier in the year, but those discussions stalled when a potential player exchange didn’t materialize. Ferraresi has featured in only five matches for São Paulo this season, leading to the decision to allow him to move on loan.
Botafogo’s Pursuit
Botafogo has been keen to secure Ferraresi’s services, viewing him as a valuable addition to their squad. The club sees his versatility as a key asset, as he can play both as a center-back and on the right side of the defense. The urgency to finalize the deal stems from the closing of the transfer window for players who have participated in state championships on March 27th.
Ferraresi’s Background
The 27-year-old defender joined São Paulo in January 2024 after initially arriving on loan from the City Football Group in 2022. He has a contract with São Paulo until December 31, 2027.
Upcoming Fixtures
Botafogo:
- Bangu (H) – March 7, 2026
- Barcelona-EQU (H) – March 10, 2026 (CONMEBOL Libertadores – live on Disney+ Premium)
- Flamengo (H) – March 14, 2026
São Paulo:
- Chapecoense (H) – March 12, 2026
- Red Bull Bragantino (A) – March 15, 2026
- Atlético-MG (A) – March 18, 2026
Sources: ge, ESPN, Sporting News, OneFootball