Jhon Arias set for first Maracanã meeting with Fluminense since Palmeiras move | OneFootball

Jhon Arias will face Fluminense at the Maracanã for the first time since joining Palmeiras, when the sides meet on Saturday 15 at 16:30 Brasília time in the 23rd round of the Campeonato Brasileiro.

According to Nosso Palestra, the fixture comes only months after a transfer battle between the clubs. Palmeiras signed the Colombian from Wolverhampton for 25 million euros, approximately R$154.8 million at the time, on a deal running until December 2029.

Arias joined Fluminense in 2021 and stayed until July 2025, when he moved to Wolverhampton. He played 230 matches for the Tricolor, scoring 47 and assisting 55, and helped win the 2023 Libertadores.

Fluminense kept a first-refusal clause for any return to Brazil in the Wolverhampton agreement. In the early 2026 window Flamengo, Palmeiras and Fluminense showed interest, and Arias left English football only months after his move.

Palmeiras tabled an offer, and Fluminense were given time to match it. The Rio club tried to exercise their priority with 20 million euros, which was not enough to secure his return.

Since arriving, Arias has become a versatile option for Abel Ferreira across the front line and has added defensive work. He has also operated more centrally, increasing his involvement in build-up play. He has already faced Fluminense this season, with the difference now being the Maracanã backdrop, a ground where he featured regularly for the Tricolor.

Source: Nosso Palestra

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