Abel eyes Palmeiras rewards in 2026 after overhaul: "Investment for now and future" | OneFootball

The Palmeiras underwent a profound restructuring of its squad during the 2025 season. The team finished the season without a title for the first time since the arrival of coach Abel Ferreira in October 2020. After the last game of the year, the Palmeiras coach explained that the investment made this year is for the “present and future.”

In 2025, Palmeiras spent around R$ 700 million on reinforcements to reshape the squad. The club bid farewell to multiple champions and saw 17 departures, while bringing in 12 new players, both young and experienced. For 2026, the club is expected to make targeted signings and maintain the core of the squad, with at least two athletes per position.

“The 2025 season was planned in 2024, it wasn't now. A year of restructuring, 17 departures and 12 arrivals, we invested money for the present and future. A well-planned season,” summarized Abel Ferreira.

For this season, Palmeiras welcomed goalkeeper Carlos Miguel, full-backs Khellven and Jefté, defender Micael, midfielders Emiliano Martínez, Lucas Evangelista, and Andreas Pereira, as well as forwards Ramón Sosa, Paulinho, and Vitor Roque.

Among them, those who established themselves most in the team were Carlos Miguel (after Weverton's injury), Khellven, Lucas Evangelista, who had a good run before getting injured in September, as well as Andreas Pereira and Vitor Roque. Paulinho had a brief run after recovering from surgery but needed another procedure that sidelined him once again.

Abel uses Flaco López and Vitor Roque as examples

The approach adopted by Abel Ferreira is one of patience with his reinforcements. The coach spoke about the differences in adaptation time for each player and cited Flaco López and Vitor Roque as examples, players who arrived young and were initially criticized before taking off.

“We always want reinforcements to perform because they cost a lot of money, but things are not like that here, at Real Madrid, or anywhere else. Some adapt faster, like Andreas Pereira. Vitor Roque was an investment, he came completely devalued and discredited. We managed to recover and value this player. López, Palmeiras invested in three years ago and today he goes to the Argentine national team and is worth between 40 and 50 million euros,” declared Abel.

Flaco has his best year with Palmeiras

Flaco López arrived at Palmeiras in 2022 but did not establish himself immediately. The following year, he fluctuated a lot and experienced his longest drought, going 15 games without scoring a goal. The next year, he secured a starting position at Palmeiras but was not unanimously accepted. He had a good Paulista Championship, being the top scorer with 10 goals, but missed important goals throughout the year.

In 2025, Flaco had his best season with Palmeiras, scoring 25 goals, including one in the 3-1 victory over Ceará. His good numbers were also due to a successful partnership with Vitor Roque in the second half of the year.

Vitor Roque recovers at Palmeiras

Palmeiras invested around R$ 160 million in signing Vitor Roque. The 20-year-old player returned to Brazil under some skepticism after a brief stint at Barcelona and Real Betis. Upon his arrival at the São Paulo club, it took him 12 games to finally shine.

Abel kept the number 9 jersey among the starters, and between August and October, the “Little Tiger” had his best phase, scoring 14 goals and providing four assists. He ended the year as Palmeiras' top scorer in the Brasileirão, with 16 goals scored.

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