Luighi named player of the month again, Palmeiras await permanent deal | OneFootball

Forward Luighi, developed by Palmeiras, has been gaining more space and prominence in U.S. soccer. On loan at New York City FC, the player was once again voted the club’s Player of the Month, this time for September. It is his second straight award, after also being named the standout player in August.

His strong run of form has raised Palmeiras’ expectations for a possible permanent transfer at the end of the loan.

Two goals in September

Luighi played a decisive role in September. The forward scored against the New England Revolution on the 10th and found the net again against Real Salt Lake in a 2-0 away win.

Luighi has made 12 appearances for New York City in 2026, with four goals and 526 minutes on the field. In MLS, he has played nine matches, six as a starter, with four goals and no assists.

The Brazilian has scored in four different matches since his arrival: against the Philadelphia Union, FC Cincinnati, New England Revolution, and Real Salt Lake.

Loan could turn into sale

Palmeiras agreed to Luighi’s move to New York City in July. The deal was signed as a loan until the end of 2026 and includes US$300,000 for the loan, approximately R$1.5 million at the exchange rate reported at the time. The American club also took on the player’s full salary.

The main point for Palmeiras lies in the purchase clause: New York City has an option to make the move permanent for US$6 million, around R$30 million based on the figures reported when the deal was finalized. If the option is exercised, Palmeiras will still retain 20% of Luighi’s economic rights for a future sale.

In other words, if the MLS club decides to sign him permanently, the deal could represent approximately US$6.3 million in direct revenue for Palmeiras, considering the US$300,000 already received for the loan and the US$6 million purchase option.

A different situation from the one he had at Palmeiras

Before leaving the club, Luighi was under contract with Palmeiras until December 2029. A product of the club’s academy, the forward made his professional debut in 2024 and left Verdão with 45 appearances and five goals, according to the figures released at the time of the transfer.

In 2026, before the loan, he made 18 appearances for Palmeiras and scored two goals. The forward had lost ground in the competition for minutes in attack, a situation that contributed to the decision to seek an opportunity in North American soccer.

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