Palmeiras set transfer plan for World Cup break as Barboza arrives | OneFootball

Palmeiras will use the World Cup break to shape their squad for the second half of the year. With the window opening two days after the final, the club have already moved, bringing in Botafogo centre-back Alexander Barboza as their first and only addition.

Chair Leila Pereira said, “None of the regularly used players will leave”, she told ge.

A centre-back had been the focus despite four options already in place, Benedetti, Bruno Fuchs, Gustavo Gómez and Murilo, with Benedetti still adjusting to senior level. Barboza was not top of the shortlist, that was Nino of Zenit, but Palmeiras seized a market opportunity as Barboza was not renewing with Botafogo. They paid four million dollars, about R$ 20 million, to sign him early, cooling any fresh move for Nino.

With the defence settled, there is no clear next priority. A defensive-minded midfielder could be explored. Full-back units are set to remain as they are, with Giay and Khellven on the right, and Piquerez, Arthur and Jefté on the left.

Attention also turns to Danilo of Botafogo and Brazil, an academy product. Hopes rose after he avoided a 13th game in the Campeonato Brasileiro to keep domestic options open, and Palmeiras feel well positioned, though Flamengo have made contact. Any outcome hinges on his World Cup, a strong tournament could attract a European giant and take him abroad, while interest so far has come only from clubs they do not favour, such as Zenit.

Palmeiras aim to keep key pieces despite interest in Allan and Flaco López. A Cria da Academia received a Napoli offer worth around €35 million in the last window, and new bids may follow. Atletico Madrid revisited terms for Flaco but the club held firm, and after the win over Junior Barranquila that sealed a Conmebol Libertadores last-16 spot and his final game before the pause, he left his future open while focusing on the World Cup.

Further exits could materialise. Naves has returned from a loan in Portugal but will not be reintegrated, with a sale preferred. Benedetti has been sounded out by Como and is on European radars, and the club still need roughly R$ 270 million to hit their sales target, with the departures of Facundo Torres, Aníbal Moreno, Jhon Jhon and Breno Lopes covering a quarter, plus 30% of AFS’s move to Sporting worth R$ 7 million.

Source: Globo.com