According to a report from ESPN BR, Santos had the possibility in the previous year of returning João Basso to Arouca of Portugal. This action would have led the European team to forgive a debt that later resulted in a transfer ban at Vila Belmiro. However, the player did not want to return to his former club.

João Basso is a player with experience at Arouca, known for his good work at the club. The coach sees his return as beneficial to help strengthen the defense, especially given the current wave of injuries affecting the team.