Ex-Botafogo player on Marlon Freitas and Barboza: ‘Palmeiras pushed hard’

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Nosso Palestra

·30 Mei 2026

Ex-Botafogo player on Marlon Freitas and Barboza: ‘Palmeiras pushed hard’

Palmeiras has been aggressive in the domestic market in recent seasons. In 2026, Verdão has already signed Marlon Freitas and Alexander Barboza, both of whom won titles with Botafogo in 2024. Besides the duo, Alviverde is also still interested in Danilo, who was called up for the World Cup.

Turbulent departure?

A former player for the Rio-based team, defensive midfielder Gregore, currently at Al-Rayyan of Qatar, spoke in an interview with ESPN’s Bola da Vez about players leaving for Palmeiras.

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I feel a bit sad about the way Marlon Freitas left. He went through a difficult moment in 2023 and, in 2024, he was our captain. He ended up making some comments that, at that moment, created a complicated situation, I don’t know. That caused a lot of turmoil. I believe that if he had had a clearer project, he wouldn’t have left. We hear Barboza in interviews saying he was forced, something along those lines. If there had also been a project for him, I believe he would have stayed.

Gregore also highlighted the challenging scenario between Palmeiras and Botafogo at the moment.

It’s difficult for us. A club like Palmeiras comes in, Abel must have called both of them and shown interest. It’s a club that is always fighting for titles. Then an offer comes in… it’s very hard for that not to affect the player. So, it was a combination of factors that made them go to Palmeiras. On top of that, Palmeiras came in very strongly to sign them.

When will Barboza play?

Signed and announced by Palmeiras, center back Alexander Barboza will only play for Brazil’s Greatest Champion once the transfer window opens, when he can be registered in the BID.

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