Fortaleza turn to Vinícius Silvestre amid goalkeeping chaos | OneFootball

Fortaleza are set to bring in goalkeeper Vinícius Silvestre, formerly of Palmeiras and most recently at Portimonense, in response to a mounting injury crisis between the posts, according to Diário do Nordeste.

Silvestre, 31, arrives as both João Ricardo and Brenno face spells on the sidelines after being ruled out for surgery. With their two most experienced keepers unavailable, the club moved swiftly in the market to secure Silvestre’s services on a contract that will run until the end of 2026. The deal concludes his stay at Portimonense, where he featured in 51 matches across two seasons and had already bid farewell to the Portuguese club.

Silvestre is due to undergo medical tests at Pici before the move is officially confirmed. His signing aims to stabilise a position now left in the hands of the relatively untested duo of Magrão, 25, and Eduardo Salvador, 19. Until Silvestre’s integration is complete, caretaker head coach Léo Porto will continue to rely on this young pair, each with minimal top-flight experience.

A product of Palmeiras’ academy, Silvestre managed only 14 appearances for the Verdão senior side before seeking playing time in Europe. He now returns to Brazilian football at a moment of upheaval for Fortaleza, both on and off the pitch. The club recently parted ways with manager Juan Pablo Vojvoda, the most successful coach in their history, and is searching for long-term stability after slipping down the Série A table.

Silvestre’s arrival is seen as a practical move, offering the experience and leadership required amid a challenging phase for the squad. As the only senior goalkeeper now available for selection, he is expected to compete immediately for a starting role.

The goalkeeper’s signing follows a period of considerable transition at Fortaleza. With the new coaching team led by Léo Porto in interim charge and the ongoing search for managerial reinforcements, the latest addition to the squad underscores the urgency with which the club is seeking to navigate injury setbacks and reclaim consistency in the league.