Botafogo are in advanced talks to bring Tiquinho Soares back to the club. A free agent since terminating his contract with Santos, the 35-year-old centre-forward is discussing a short deal through December 2026 and is expected to earn less than he did during his first spell with the Alvinegro. The agreement, however, has not yet been officially announced. Talks gathered momentum after Botafogo’s elimination from the Copa Sudamericana. Arthur Cabral was booed at the Nilton Santos during the 1-0 win over Cienciano, a result that was not enough to overturn the heavy first-leg defeat in Peru. Against that backdrop, the club returned to the market for an experienced option to lead the attack.

Return would involve no transfer fee

Tiquinho Soares has been without a club since July 17, when his Santos contract termination was registered in the CBF’s official player bulletin. The striker had been under contract through December 2027 but left Vila Belmiro after a spell that fell short of expectations. Signed by Santos in January 2025 in a deal connected to centre-back Jair’s move to Botafogo, the striker made 40 appearances, scored seven goals and provided four assists for the São Paulo club. He joined Mirassol on loan in 2026, playing ten matches and scoring once. As a free agent, Tiquinho Soares can join Botafogo without a transfer fee. The short contract would also limit the club’s financial commitment over the closing months of the season.

Tiquinho scored 44 goals for Botafogo

During his first spell with Botafogo, from 2022 to 2024, Tiquinho Soares scored 44 goals in 120 appearances. His best run came in 2023, when he was one of the team’s main attacking figures in the Brazilian Championship. In 2024, with fewer starts, he was part of the squad that won the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Championship. His bond with the supporters and familiarity with the club favour a return, but the signing still depends on final talks and the contract being signed.