Gabriel Vareta highlights progress in Middle East as more ex-Palmeiras join UAE | OneFootball

Gabriel Vareta, a Palmeiras academy graduate and centre-back, has completed six months at Al-Wasl and says he is adapting and improving in Middle Eastern football. The UAE market is also set to welcome another former Palmeiras player this week.

According to Nosso Palestra, forward Sorriso, a Copinha standout for Verdão, has joined Baniyas Sports & Culture Club on loan from Palmeiras.

At Al-Wasl, Vareta is alongside former Palmeiras striker Miguel Borja, who agreed a move in January. Borja made 112 appearances for Verdão between 2017 and 2019.

Vareta said these early months have been important both professionally and personally, noting the league's different, more physical and very intense style required quick adaptation. He added that his previous spell in Saudi Arabia helped, that he is learning daily and feeling increasingly confident, with his focus on continuing to evolve, earn game time and represent Brazilian football well.

Before signing permanently for Al-Wasl, he spent a season on loan at Al-Fayha in Saudi Arabia, where he faced Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté.

Raised entirely in Palmeiras' youth ranks, he spent more than a decade at the club from childhood to Under-20. His honours include the 2024 Brazilian Under-20 Championship, 2020 and 2023 São Paulo Under-20 titles, and the 2022 Brazilian and Copa do Brasil Under-17 crowns.

Source: Nosso Palestra