Grêmio trigger automatic clause, will pay Cruzeiro R$22 million for Marlon | OneFootball

Marlon will not return to defend Cruzeiro in 2026. The left-back has already reached the match target set in his loan contract, which confirmed the obligation of purchase by Grêmio. Thus, the club from Rio Grande do Sul will need to finalize the definitive acquisition of the player by December 2025.According to information from journalist Kaliel Dorneles, from Sports Band RS, Marlon's new contract with Grêmio will be valid until December 2028. The club from Rio Grande do Sul will disburse 3.5 million euros (about R$ 22 million) to Cruzeiro, an amount that will be paid in 11 installments.Last Saturday (4/10), Marlon reached 25 games for Grêmio, all as a starter, triggering the mandatory purchase clause. On the same date, Tricolor was defeated by Red Bull Bragantino by 1 to 0, in an away Brasileirão match.

The 28-year-old full-back ended up in the spotlight after the game, harshly criticizing the refereeing and advocating for the professionalization of the category in the country. A few hours later, the CBF announced the suspension of the referee and the person responsible for the VAR in the match in Bragança Paulista.

No room at Cruzeiro

Revealed by Criciúma, Marlon arrived at Cruzeiro in 2023, still under the management of Ronaldo Nazário, after a stint in Turkish football. For the club from Minas Gerais, he played 100 official matches, scoring four goals and providing seven assists.

A starter between 2023 and 2024, the full-back from Paraná ended up losing space in 2025, mainly after the arrival of coach Leonardo Jardim. As a result, Kaiki Bruno took over the position, while the young Kauã Prates became an option on the bench.

The transfer happened quickly. On April 9, Marlon was a starter in Cruzeiro's 2-1 defeat to Mushuc Runa, for the Copa Sudamericana, at Mineirão, and his performance was heavily criticized by the fans. With no atmosphere at the club, he agreed to his loan move to Grêmio.

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