Santa Cruz released 19 players from their squad on Thursday night following their successful campaign to win promotion to Campeonato Brasileiro Serie B. In an official statement, the Pernambuco club thanked the squad members who contributed to achieving promotion back to the second tier of Brazilian national football.
Among the highest-profile departures is defensive midfielder Andrey. A product of the youth academy at Rio de Janeiro club Vasco da Gama, Andrey previously represented Brazil at youth international level and arrived as one of the marquee signings for Santa Cruz during the season.
Forward Alex Sandro has also parted ways with the club after joining during the final stages of the Serie C campaign. Despite substantial expectations surrounding his arrival, the former Cruzeiro attacker leaves Santa Cruz without making a single official appearance.
Serie B return and new management
The sweeping changes come as Santa Cruz prepare to compete in Serie B in 2027, ending a nine-season absence from the division. Based in Recife, the state capital of Pernambuco in north-eastern Brazil, the club have spent nearly a decade fighting to climb back into the upper tiers of the national league system.
To oversee the transition and lead the squad next season, the club recently confirmed the appointment of Ze Ricardo as head coach. The experienced manager has previously taken charge of several major Brazilian sides, including Flamengo, Vasco da Gama, and Internacional.
Departing squad members
The overhaul affects every outfield department, with changes made across defence, midfield, and attack. The five defenders released are right-back Pedro Costa, left-backs Rodrigues and Alex Ruan, and centre-backs Edson Miranda and Jeferson.
In midfield, defensive midfielders Andrey, Fabinho, Arilson, and Fabiel have departed alongside central and attacking midfielders Leo Costa, Patrick Allan, and Silva.
The forward line experienced the largest clear-out, with seven attackers released: Jhoninha, Nilton, Robinho, Tiago Marques, Alex Sandro, Cassiano, and Eron.
