Guarani cuts youth chances and promotes just one player, details | OneFootball

Guarani ended 2026 with minimal involvement from its youth academy in professional football. In a season marked by squad restructuring and on-field struggles, only Kewen, coming from the U-20 team, was given an opportunity with the first team.

RTI Esporte Agency has learned that the squad overhaul could open space for new players developed by the club. With changes in the professional group, the coaching staff is expected to assess U-20 players during preparations for next season before deciding who will be promoted.

The number stands out given the club’s history of developing players. Over the years, Guarani has more frequently used athletes from the lower categories, whether to round out the squad or to earn playing time during competitions.

In 2026, for example, that path was practically cut off. Even with changes in the professional group throughout the season, few young players managed to move up to Guarani’s senior team in Campinas.

Young player earned a place in the professional squad

Kewen was the only player promoted from the U-20 team to take part in official matches for the senior side. His presence was the exception in a season in which integration between the youth academy and the first team was very limited.

Other youth players did train with the professional squad, but they did not have any significant involvement in official matches. As a result, the midfielder ended up being the only representative of Guarani’s youth system in the main group during the year.

In a season marked by squad changes and a search for alternatives, Guarani was eliminated in the first phase of Brazil’s Serie C. Even with those difficulties, the club’s young prospects did not gain regular space in the professional team.

Youth academy could gain space in planning for 2027

The early end of the season opens a new chapter for Guarani. The club will have to build its squad for 2027 and has several players nearing the end of their contracts, a scenario that could lead to changes in the makeup of the group.

In this process, players developed by the club itself may once again be looked at more closely. Using academy players could also be an alternative for building the squad, especially given the need for financial reorganization.

The future of the SAF also weighs on decisions

Defining the model of the Football Corporation (SAF) will be another part of the planning. A possible change in the administrative structure could influence the sporting policy and the way the club intends to manage its development categories.

The youth academy’s performance in 2026 leaves Guarani with the challenge of restoring integration between young players and the professional squad. After promoting only Kewen during the season, the club will have to decide whether 2027 will mark the return of opportunities for players developed at Brinco de Ouro.

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