The construction project for the new Estádio Vila Belmiro — a joint venture between Santos and WTorre — has stalled at the final stage. Although both parties insist that negotiations are close to being finalized, the key document that would officially launch the investment remains unsigned.

Everything was supposed to be ready over a month ago…

At the beginning of October, there was still hope that the contract signing and the full project presentation would take place on 12 October — the anniversary of the inauguration of the historic Estádio Vila Belmiro. The date was intended to symbolically mark the beginning of a new chapter in the club’s history. However, the plan ultimately collapsed, as the negotiations had not been completed. For weeks, representatives from Santos and WTorre have been speaking of final details remaining before signatures can be applied. According to sources, it is precisely these highly specific technical and operational points that are still blocking the announcement of the agreement. More meetings have been scheduled to clarify the remaining doubts once and for all.

The delay is especially frustrating for fans, who once again must be patient. During an event at the Rei Pelé training centre on 29 September, club president Marcelo Teixeira assured supporters that the new stadium’s presentation would happen on 12 October. Much time has passed since that declaration, and the project has once again failed to progress at the expected pace. Despite complications, there is still cautious optimism about finalising the talks. Nevertheless, the longer the negotiations drag on, the further away the start of construction becomes.

According to current plans, the construction of the new Estádio Vila Belmiro is expected to take three to four years, meaning that every new delay pushes the stadium’s debut even further into the future. If carried out as envisioned, Santos’ new home would become one of the most modern football venues in Brazil.

© Luiz Volpato Arquitectura, WTorre, Santos FC