São Paulo Look To Extend Marcos Antônio Stay Amid Midfield Injury Crisis

São Paulo FC are actively working to extend the stay of midfielder Marcos Antônio beyond the end of his current loan, which is set to expire on June 30, according to a report from Lance!. The Brazilian side has been impressed by the Lazio loanee's recent performances, particularly as injuries to regular starters Pablo Maia and Luiz Gustavo have left the team short-handed in midfield.

Under the terms of the current deal, São Paulo are required to make a permanent transfer if Marcos Antônio features in at least half of the team's matches with a minimum of 45 minutes played in each. With the midfielder playing a key role during the ongoing injury spell, that threshold may soon be met—automatically activating a €5 million buyout clause.

However, finances remain a central hurdle. The purchase clause allows for payment in three annual installments, but São Paulo are reportedly seeking to defer the initial payment or renegotiate an extension of the loan until the end of the year, offering more time to manage their financial obligations.

Talks between the two clubs are said to be moving forward, though a final decision has yet to be reached. While Lazio are urging a clear-cut resolution, São Paulo hope to avoid a rushed commitment that could strain their budget.

Ultimately, the deal could hinge on how Marcos Antônio performs in the coming weeks and whether the clubs can find common ground. For São Paulo, retaining the dynamic midfielder have become a top priority as the team battles through a challenging stretch of the season.