Palmeiras on the hunt for a centre-back, competition heats up in 2026 | OneFootball

The defender Gustavo Gómez remains solidified in the defense of Palmeiras and sees the competition growing between Murilo and Bruno Fuchs for the other spot in the sector. The club is still seeking reinforcements in the market for this season and has prioritized signing a defender.

Bruno Fuchs, who ended the year 2025 on a high note, hasn't played in the last two games. Palmeiras' number 3 last appeared on the field in the 1-0 defeat against Botafogo-SP, when Abel Ferreira fielded a reserve team.

On that occasion, Fuchs played the full 90 minutes. After that, he stayed on the bench against Vitória and Corinthians. In the last two mentioned matches, the coach lined up the starting defense with Gustavo Gómez and Murilo. The latter has been recovering after a below-par 2025, hindered by some injuries.

Together, they have played five of the nine games this season. Other combinations used were: Benedetti and Murilo, Bruno Fuchs and Gustavo Gómez, and Bruno Fuchs and Benedetti.

This season, Bruno Fuchs has played four games, three of them as a starter. Meanwhile, Murilo has appeared in six matches, all as a starter. Additionally, in the victory over Vitória, he scored a goal and provided an assist. Gómez, on the other hand, has been on the field seven times and has scored one goal. Benedetti has played four matches.

Palmeiras' Search for a Defender

Bruno Fuchs was permanently acquired by Palmeiras this season after a year on loan. Even so, Verdão still saw the need to strengthen the sector and pursued Nino from Zenit. The club is monitoring other names but maintains priority on the former Fluminense player, even after the Russian club's refusal to release him in this window.

Palmeiras' Situation in the Season

Palmeiras is unbeaten in the national tournament and is the runner-up with four points. In the last round, they thrashed Vitória 5-1 at Arena Barueri to secure their first victory. In the debut, they drew 2-2 with Atlético-MG at Arena MRV. Now, Verdão seeks their first away win against Internacional.

In the Paulista Championship, Alviverde also holds the second position, with 15 points, one behind Novorizontino. In the last round, they defeated Corinthians 1-0 at Neo Química Arena.

Upcoming Palmeiras Matches

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