Marcos Leonardo Linked With Winter Return to Brazil as Three Clubs Monitor Ajax Striker
Marcos Leonardo could be heading back to Brazil during the winter transfer window, with Flamengo, São Paulo and Santos reportedly interested in signing the Ajax forward. The 23-year-old has struggled to secure a regular starting role in Amsterdam, prompting speculation that a move away could offer him a fresh opportunity to revive his season.
According to Brazilian outlet Terra, the three clubs are exploring a potential loan deal with an option to buy. No agreement has been confirmed, however, and Ajax’s willingness to let a major signing leave midway through the campaign remains uncertain. The transfer prediction will depend on the Dutch club’s plans for its squad, as well as the terms any interested side can offer.
A Challenging Start to Life at Ajax
Ajax brought Marcos Leonardo to the Netherlands from Al-Hilal last summer, reportedly paying around €20 million for the striker. The move represented a significant investment and raised expectations that he could become an important part of the team’s attack. So far, though, his opportunities have been limited.
Leonardo has made 16 appearances for Ajax and scored three goals, but he has yet to register an assist. Those numbers do not tell the whole story: a player’s output can be affected by the minutes and responsibilities he receives. Still, with the forward featuring largely in a reserve role, he has not yet established himself as a consistent first-choice option.
Coach Míchel has regularly favoured Tolu Arokodare, leaving Leonardo competing for a place in the attacking lineup. For a young striker seeking rhythm and development, a lack of starts can make it difficult to build confidence, form partnerships with teammates and demonstrate his full range of abilities.
Why a Loan Could Make Sense
A temporary move could give Leonardo the regular football he has not consistently found in Amsterdam. A loan with an option to buy would also allow a Brazilian club to assess his performances before making a permanent commitment. For Ajax, that structure could preserve the possibility of bringing him back while giving the striker a chance to regain momentum.
However, the arrangement would need to suit all parties. Ajax would have to decide whether it can afford to reduce its attacking depth, particularly if the club expects to compete across multiple competitions. The Dutch side would also need to consider how a loan might affect the value of a player it signed for a substantial fee only last summer.
For the interested Brazilian clubs, the key questions would include how much of Leonardo’s salary Ajax would cover, whether the option-to-buy price is realistic and how quickly he could be integrated. These details often determine whether transfer interest develops into a formal offer.
Three Brazilian Clubs, Three Different Appeals
Flamengo, São Paulo and Santos each offer a potentially attractive destination, though the sporting and emotional appeal may differ. Flamengo and São Paulo could provide the forward with the chance to join ambitious teams competing for major honours. Their interest would also place him back in a familiar football environment, where his attacking instincts and movement may be easier to showcase.
Santos, meanwhile, would represent a particularly meaningful return. Leonardo made his professional debut at the club and scored 54 goals in 168 matches before leaving Brazil. That record established him as one of Santos’ most productive young forwards and helped shape his reputation as a natural finisher.
A reunion could offer more than a sentimental storyline. Santos already knows the player’s strengths, and Leonardo understands the club’s culture and expectations. Familiarity could help him settle quickly, although any return would still depend on the financial terms and Santos’ ability to compete with rival suitors.
What the Move Could Mean for Leonardo’s Career
At 23, Leonardo is still at an important stage of his development. A winter transfer could provide a route back to regular starts, but leaving Ajax so soon after arriving would also raise questions about how the club views his long-term prospects. A successful loan might strengthen his case for a future role in Amsterdam—or improve his value if a permanent transfer follows.
Conversely, staying in the Netherlands could give him time to adapt to Ajax’s style and compete for more minutes. The decision is therefore not simply about choosing between Europe and Brazil. It is about identifying the environment where he is most likely to play consistently and contribute to a clear sporting plan.
Transfer Prediction: Interest Is Clear, but Ajax’s Decision Comes First
The reported interest from Flamengo, São Paulo and Santos makes a Brazilian return a credible possibility, especially if Leonardo’s reserve status continues. A loan with an option to buy appears to be the most practical proposal for clubs hoping to limit their initial financial risk. Yet Ajax’s investment means the club may be reluctant to approve a departure without suitable guarantees or a replacement plan.
For now, the transfer remains a developing story rather than a confirmed deal. Leonardo’s playing time in the weeks ahead, Ajax’s assessment of its attacking options and the quality of any formal offer are likely to shape the outcome. If the striker is still struggling to secure a regular role as the winter window approaches, a return to Brazil could become increasingly appealing for both player and potential suitors.
