Sevilla has made it clear that Portuguese centre‑back Fábio Cardoso is not part of Luis García Plaza's plan for next season. The player, who arrived from Porto in the summer and is under contract until June 2028, only featured in five games (four league matches and one Copa del Rey) and is already on the list of possible exits.

Why is Cardoso out of the plan?

The Argentine coach used Cardoso in just four league fixtures and a single cup tie under Matías Almeyda, and since García Plaza took over he has not been given any minutes. Club data shows he finished as the third least‑used player behind Joan Jordán and Federico Gattoni. The lack of opportunities stems from a surplus of centre‑backs: with César Azpilicueta's departure and the arrival of Arouna Sangante, Sevilla now has seven players in that role, while the manager prefers a four‑man back line.

What options does the player have?

Brazilian sources report that São Paulo, sitting eighth in the Brasileirão and currently in the Copa Sudamericana round of 16, has received an offer for Cardoso. The Brazilian side is assessing the proposal, though it is not the only possible exit. At 32, the defender also considers a return to Arab football, where he was on loan at Al‑Ain in the United Arab Emirates. Sevilla, which paid no fee for his transfer, said it will facilitate either a sale or a contract termination.

How does his departure affect the defensive squad?

Removing Cardoso eases the wage bill and opens a spot in the back line, something new sporting director José Ignacio Navarro deems a priority. "We are in a building phase. Right now there may be positions where we obviously need to reinforce the team more," Navarro explained. With the squad already crowded with centre‑backs, the club aims to balance the roster before the summer transfer window.

What’s next for Sevilla in the market?

The next step will be to bring in defenders who fit the four‑man system García Plaza prefers. Meanwhile, the board will continue negotiating Cardoso’s exit, whether through a sale to São Paulo, a return to the Emirates, or an amicable termination. The final decision should be reached before the European market closes in August, ensuring the club enters the new season with a tighter, project‑aligned squad.