Emilio Saba is at a pivotal point in his career, and his future could become one of the storylines to watch ahead of the 2027 season. The Peruvian full-back has acknowledged that Alianza Lima were linked with him, but he also made clear that he hopes to stay at Sport Boys and be part of the squad that will mark the Callao club’s centenary.
Franco Navarro’s influence
Speaking on the podcast ‘Mano a Mano’, Saba explained that Alianza’s interest is tied mainly to Franco Navarro, the coach who has worked with him in previous spells. He said that when weighing up an offer, players have to consider several factors, above all how many minutes they are likely to play. Navarro, he noted, has coached him at four different clubs, which is why the Lima giants’ name came up.
Saba stressed that money is only part of the picture. A big move can be a huge opportunity, he said, but regular football is hugely valuable for a player’s development, and every footballer places a high premium on it.
Competing for a place
The defender also reflected on the decisions a player faces when a major club comes calling. Beyond the terms on offer, he argued, a footballer must accept the challenge of competing for a place and proving what he can do. Internal competition exists at every club, he added, and nobody has a guaranteed starting spot, not even at Sport Boys, where he too has to fight for his position with other players.
A bond with Sport Boys
Despite the Alianza speculation, Saba made no secret of his wish to stay with the ‘rosado’ side for what is a special season for the institution. He credited Sport Boys with backing him at a difficult time, after eight months without playing following his spell at Melgar. He spoke warmly about the club, the affection of its supporters and the atmosphere in the dressing room.
Saba also highlighted the strong sense of belonging in Callao, where, in his view, the club is woven into local life. He said he had seen that passion first-hand during the season, especially when results were going well and the crowds turned out in numbers. Supporters, he suggested, were left with a taste of what the team could achieve if it genuinely fights for honours in the centenary year.
For now, Saba has made clear that he would like to continue wearing the pink shirt in 2027. Although his name has been linked with Alianza Lima, he sees the centenary of his current club as an important chance in his career.
Source: www.infobae.com
