Giay: called up, starting and on the rise at Palmeiras after Allan exit | OneFootball

Agustín Giay is enjoying, in 2026, his best moment since arriving at Palmeiras. Called up once again by the Argentine national team, an undisputed starter under Abel Ferreira, and a key figure in important matches, the right-back has turned a period of doubt into one of affirmation in the green-and-white shirt.

His progress gained even more momentum after Allan’s departure to Manchester City. With the forward’s transfer, Palmeiras lost one of Abel’s main options on the right flank. With no replacement brought in for the position during the transfer window, the coach began using Giay even more frequently and gave the Argentine new responsibilities within the system.

From doubt to a starting spot

Signed by Palmeiras in 2024, Giay needed time to earn his place. In 2026, however, the story changed. The Argentine won the battle for the right-back position and became one of Abel’s most frequently used players.

His adaptation to Brazilian football also involved an important change in his game. Initially known for his more defensive traits, Giay began taking part more in attacking plays and was given the freedom to occupy different spaces.

Allan’s departure opened up space for Giay

Allan left Palmeiras for Manchester City in a deal worth €37.5 million fixed, plus another €2.5 million in bonuses. The youngster had become a key piece in Abel’s system, especially operating down the right flank.

With his departure, Giay took on an even more important role. The Argentine can play as a full-back in a back four or as a wing-back when Abel uses three center-backs, giving the coach an option to maintain width on the right side.

First goal and first assist: his attacking contribution emerges

Until the end of August, Giay had not yet scored or provided an assist for Palmeiras. His first direct goal contribution came precisely during the stretch in which he began taking on an even bigger role.

Against Santos, in the Copa do Brasil, the full-back provided his first assist in a Palmeiras shirt. Days later, against LDU, he scored his first goal for the club — and it came in a Libertadores match.

It took 98 games for the Argentine to find the net for the first time. The goal secured a 1-0 win over the Ecuadorian side and was celebrated in a special way by the squad.

Call-up crowns the moment

The full-back had already been called up before and was even part of the training group preparing for the 2026 World Cup. He traveled to the United States with the Argentine delegation but was ultimately left out of the final World Cup squad.

Giay was called up by Lionel Scaloni for Argentina’s friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin, officially returning to the current world champions’ squad after the World Cup.

A new Giay at Palmeiras

The player who arrived at the club under doubt has become a starter. The full-back, whose profile was predominantly defensive, has begun contributing more in attack. Allan’s departure increased his responsibility. Then came the first assist, the first goal, and now a new call-up to the Argentina national team.

And this moment is even more significant because his rise is happening in the middle of a decisive season for Palmeiras. With the team competing simultaneously in the Brazilian Championship, the Copa do Brasil, and the Libertadores, the Argentine earned his place precisely when the squad began to demand players capable of performing more than one role.

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