Cruzeiro steps up loans to trim squad, here's why | OneFootball

Taking advantage of the break in the national calendar due to the World Cup, Cruzeiro’s board is working behind the scenes to decide the future of players who have seen little action under coach Artur Jorge.

According to ge, Raposa’s strategy is clear: use the loan market to give academy youngsters more playing time and to resolve contractual and disciplinary issues within the main squad.

Japa heads to the countryside of São Paulo

The 21-year-old defensive midfielder, who came through the academy in 2023, has officially been loaned to Mirassol for the rest of the season. Japa lost ground and made only 10 appearances in 2026 — under Artur Jorge, he had just one chance as a starter, against Athletico-PR, in March. Coritiba, managed by Fernando Seabra (the coach who gave the youngster his professional debut), tried to hijack the deal, but the São Paulo side came out on top.

Walace: High salary makes exit difficult

Sidelined for indiscipline since April after an internal controversy, midfielder Walace continues to train separately and has become a problem for the board. Cruzeiro is trying to arrange a loan, but the player’s high salary has scared off interested clubs. Signed in 2024 from Udinese as a marquee addition in the Pedro Lourenço era, the player failed to establish himself under any of Raposa’s most recent coaches (Seabra, Diniz, Jardim and Tite). Even while sidelined, he is expected to report back with the rest of the squad on June 22.

Bruno Alves in English football

With no room in the first team and publicly challenged by former coach Tite to show more development, promising center-back Bruno Alves has been loaned to Norwich, in England, until June 2026. Raposa will receive immediate financial compensation from the deal, which includes a fixed purchase option. It is worth noting that the defender has a long-term contract with Cruzeiro, valid until 2030.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

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