Santos FC signs 16-year-old striker Ignácio to professional contract

Santos FC has formalized the first professional contract for 16-year-old Argentine striker Ignácio Pereira Salmon, known as Nacho. The agreement is valid until December 2029 and includes a release clause of 100 million euros, approximately 613 million reais.

Born in Argentina to an Argentine mother and a Brazilian father, the striker moved to Brazil at age five. He joined Santos in 2023 at age 13 after previously spending time in the youth categories of Grêmio and Juventude. Nacho has already received three call-ups for Argentina's youth national teams.

The club views the center-forward as a high-potential talent, noting his physical strength, scoring ability, and versatility to play as a second striker. In 2025, he was the top scorer for Santos in the Paulista Sub-15 Championship, scoring ten goals in 15 matches.