MLS
Alexandre Pato could return to Brazil next season
The Brazilian striker suffered a string of injuries during his first season in Major League Soccer and the Lions are considering extending his stay.
Alexandre Pato arrived as a free agent to Orlando City SC ahead of the 2021 Major League Soccer season but unfortunately he got injured during the opening match. It took him some time to recover, and after returning to the team, he suffered a string of injuries that prevented him from being consistent with the Lions.
Pato set to return to Brazil
The former AC Milan striker only played four regular season games, one as a starter, and he played ten minutes in the playoffs. According to Brazil’s leading sports media outlets, Pato has several offers from Brazilian teams, but his priority is to stay in MLS.
Orlando City are in advanced negotiations to extend Pato’s contract ahead of the 2022 Major League Soccer season. If the 32-year-old manages to stay fit then he could be a solid attacking option, especially with the departure of Portuguese playmaker Nani.
Former Brazilian player Craque Neto, who has been working as a journalist since 1999, confirmed that São Paulo is the team interested in bringing Pato back. The problem, according to Neto, is that the people in charge want to re-sign him but manager Rogéiro Ceni doesn’t want him in his roster.