Abel dodges transfer talk, hails Weverton as top keeper

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·15. Januar 2026

Abel dodges transfer talk, hails Weverton as top keeper

The Palmeiras defeated Santos 1-0 on Wednesday (14th), in the first Paulista classic played in 2026, with a goal by Allan. After the match at Arena Crefisa Barueri, Abel Ferreira held a press conference and spoke about the young goal scorer, who has attracted interest from European clubs at the start of the season.

– Palmeiras, at this moment, is in a position to choose when to sell or not. If clubs abroad are paying attention to our players, I am pleased. We don't need to sell (Allan today), we need to have a strong team and invest time in these players.

– A coach goes beyond results, it seems easy, but no club or coach does this work, of having four youth academy players in the professional team. I feel sad when we see Allan ready and start talking about selling, as was the case with Endrick, Estevão, Vitor Reis, and now Allan.

The match also marked the farewell of goalkeeper Weverton, who was transferred to Grêmio. He was honored before the start of the match. In the press conference, Abel Ferreira explained the negotiation and reiterated the importance of the number 21 in the team's history, referring to him as one of the best goalkeepers in Verdão's history – no longer the best, as he had previously mentioned.

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– He was our leader, one of the three players I relied on. I have a very close relationship of admiration and gratitude. A leader, a reference, and, to avoid hurting susceptibilities, one of the best goalkeepers in Palmeiras' history. I have to be very careful when speaking.

– I am not the president or director, I am a coach. The club decided in the way it thought was best for the present and future of the club.

Abel also spoke about the team's physical situation, having lost Jefté in the match against Portuguesa and this Wednesday lost Andreas Pereira, who was substituted early in the match after a shoulder injury.

– At this rate, one per game, I will reach the end of the championship with half the team injured. It wasn't what we wanted, but we can't control it. Last year, we didn't have Paulinho almost the whole year. Unfortunately, he is not in condition.

Finally, he avoided discussing the transfer market by not responding to questions about Palmeiras' interest in Jhon Arias, formerly of Fluminense, and Almada, formerly of Botafogo.

– You have the right to ask what you want, and I, despite wanting to answer all questions from the heart, need to respond with my head. You know, Palmeiras is attentive, I am happy with these players.

And now?

Palmeiras reaches six points, with two wins in two matches – having already defeated Portuguesa in the first round of the competition – and takes the lead in the state competition. Santos, on the other hand, remains at three points, in eighth place.

Verdão will play again on Saturday (17th) at Arena Barueri, against Mirassol, for the third round of the Paulistão, at 8:30 PM (Brasília time).