Atlético-MG stalemate revives ‘Hulk saga’, swift end in sight | OneFootball

The name of Hulk is once again stirring up the scenes behind Brazilian football after new talks involving his future at Atlético-MG. According to information reported by Joana de Assis on sportv news, the renewal process with the Minas Gerais club did not move forward as expected, reopening the possibility of a move by Fluminense.

According to the journalist, Atlético approached the forward’s representative, Marisa Alija, to discuss a possible contract extension until 2027. The talks were initially led by Pedro Daniel, the club’s CEO, and aimed to keep the player for another season at the team where he established himself as one of the biggest names in its recent history.

Hulk, who is 40 years old, won major titles with Atlético-MG, such as the Brazilian Championship, the Brazil Cup, and five editions of the Minas Gerais State Championship. Even so, the tone of the negotiations reportedly displeased the forward, especially because the way his stay began to be treated was more associated with a farewell or tribute than with sporting continuity.

This situation reportedly caused discomfort for Hulk, who recently opened up by saying that his cycle at the club “is coming to an end.”

Fluminense renews interest

Faced with the impasse, Fluminense moved closer to the player again. Still according to Joana de Assis, the club’s general director, Mário Bittencourt, contacted Rafael Menin, one of the controlling figures of Atlético-MG’s SAF, who passed the matter on to football executive Paulo Bracks.

The inquiry was aimed at understanding whether there was openness to a negotiation. The answer was positive, although there is still no definition regarding the terms of a possible deal.

Fluminense had already tried to sign Hulk in January, but the move did not progress. At the time, Atlético resisted releasing the forward to another Brazilian club without financial compensation and even presented demands that stalled the negotiations.

Now, the scenario is different. Atlético has reportedly softened its stance and agreed to reopen talks, putting Tricolor back in a favorable position.

Player was left out of Atlético matches

Joana de Assis also highlighted on sportv news that Hulk was removed from Atlético-MG’s game squad and left out of the South American Cup match, a move that reinforces expectations surrounding a possible departure.

According to the journalist, the situation was poorly managed by the Minas Gerais club, since Fluminense’s interest was internally known and the decision about the forward’s future was still ongoing.

If the transfer is completed, Hulk will only be able to play for Fluminense from July onward, due to the transfer window.

Even so, expectations behind the scenes are that talks will advance in the coming days. Fluminense, which never stopped monitoring the forward’s situation, now sees a real opportunity to try to sign him.

Credits: information from Joana de Assis, on sportv news.

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