Cuiabá confirm Pepê return for 2026 as midfielder targets Serie A push | OneFootball

According to Globo.com, Cuiabá have confirmed the return of midfielder Pepê on loan from Vitória until the end of the season, with the clubs sharing his wages. The 28-year-old bolsters the squad for the rest of 2026, which includes the Copa do Brasil, Brasileiro Série B and Copa Centro-Oeste. The move follows elimination in the Campeonato Mato-grossense quarter-finals.

Pepê said it is not enough to belong to a big club, the team must show that mentality with personality and keep the ball on the floor, imposing themselves at home. He called for a warrior side and set the main target as promotion to Serie A.

For Vitória last season he made 19 appearances, seven as a starter, without a goal or an assist.

A Flamengo academy product, he had his first spell abroad in 2018 with Portimonense, playing 27 times and scoring eight, the most prolific run of his career. Back at Flamengo he was part of the multi-trophy squad of 2019 and title-winning campaigns in 2020 and 2021, totalling 26 senior games.

He joined Cuiabá permanently in 2021, registering 77 games, five goals and three assists across two seasons, contributing to top-flight survival. Grêmio signed him in 2023 for about R$ 8 million and he ended 2024 with a career-high 48 appearances, later losing minutes before playing four times in 2025 ahead of his Vitória stint.

Source: Globo.com