According to Globo.com, Santos, in Brazil, tried to sign Jeffinho and submitted a formal proposal to Botafogo. The negotiations did not advance because of a negative response from coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda, who believed there was not a significant place for Jeffinho's profile in the São Paulo team.

According to ESPN, Santos is considering a move for Jeffinho, a 26-year-old Brazilian winger who is not in Botafogo's plans for 2026, and is evaluating competing to sign him. The forward had been in advanced talks with an unnamed Chinese club regarding a loan deal. In recent hours, Santos contacted the player's representatives to discuss a permanent agreement and is awaiting a response. CSKA from Russia also made an inquiry about the conditions but did not formalize an offer. Jeffinho and his staff are now analyzing the proposals and are expected to make a decision in the coming days on whether to stay in Brazil or move abroad. Jeffinho joined Botafogo in January 2025 and his contract runs until the end of 2028. According to Transfermarkt, his current market value is €4.50m. He returned to Botafogo from Olympique Lyonnais for a reported fee of €5.3 million, having previously moved to the French club for €10.0 million in January 2023.