Esporte Clube Bahia confirmed the signing of Alejo Véliz, 22-year-old Argentine striker, after lengthy negotiations with Tottenham, the owner of the player's economic rights, and Rosário Central, the club where Alejo was formed. The Bahia management considered Alejo a priority in the market and mobilized the entire football department to finalize the transfer. The Brazilian club will pay 9 million euros, approximately R$ 56 million, to have the player on its roster. Alejo Véliz arrived in Salvador on Monday and has already started preparing for the season. Bahia's football director, Cadu Santoro, had direct contact with Alejo and presented the club's project. The player also spoke with Mateo Sanabria, Bahia's striker, to better understand the scenario he would face in Salvador. The negotiation was not simple, as Tottenham had no intention of negotiating Alejo during the transfer window at the beginning of the year. Additionally, Bahia wanted to protect itself from the interest of other clubs, both from Europe and Brazilian football. The club's management accelerated the negotiations to avoid facing even tougher competition in the coming months. Alejo Véliz showed interest in defending Bahia and having his first opportunity in Brazilian football since the initial conversations. The project presented and the possibility of having a sequence in a competitive environment weighed heavily in the striker's decision. Meanwhile, Bahia also faced resistance from Rosário Central, which maintained its position of counting on Alejo in the Libertadores campaign. The player's attitude was also decisive in the situation's outcome. Alejo adopted a respectful position with Rosário Central, the club where he was formed and gained projection in Argentine football. The official announcement of the player's arrival will only happen in July, when Alejo's contract with Rosário Central ends. But, with the Argentine club's calendar already finalized for this period, the striker brought forward his trip to Salvador. Bahia understands that Alejo is an ideal name for a medium and long-term project, not just because of his age, but because of the profile considered strategic for the Grupo City's sports model. The Brazilian club believes that the signing of Alejo Véliz will be fundamental for the season and is eager to see the player in action. Bahia's coach, who has not been disclosed, has already started planning the team's lineup for the next match. Alejo Véliz is eager to start playing and contributing to Bahia's success. The player has already begun to adapt to the new environment and is preparing for his debut. Bahia is confident that the signing of Alejo Véliz will be a success and is eager to see the player in action.