With Nino targeted, Palmeiras prioritise defensive reinforcements | OneFootball

Palmeiras are prioritising defensive reinforcements as Abel Ferreira wrestles with a leaky back line early in the season, according to Globo.com.

In the draw with Atlético-MG on Wednesday they conceded twice, taking the tally to seven in 2026, more than games played, with six outings.

Mistakes by Murilo and Khellven irritated the coach, who lamented the incidents after the match. He views additions at the back as increasingly necessary.

Palmeiras have shown interest in Zenit centre-back Nino, but the Russian club want to keep him for longer. The club have not ruled out intensifying talks.

After Micael’s move to the United States, the centre-back group is Gustavo Gómez, Murilo, Bruno Fuchs and Benedetti. Gómez is the only nailed-on starter, with Murilo and Fuchs alternating. Benedetti is behind in the pecking order.

There is also a vacancy at holding midfield following Aníbal Moreno’s exit. Marlon Freitas is covering there, though his strengths are not primarily defensive, and his natural role is as a second midfielder.

Emiliano Martínez has been losing minutes. Academy product Luis Pacheco has impressed in that role early in the season and earned praise from Abel Ferreira.

He is being eased in and began on the bench in the two biggest games so far, Santos and São Paulo. There is an expectation the 17-year-old could take the role, which would push Marlon Freitas higher and make Andreas Pereira the playmaker.

Palmeiras are not ruling out signing a holding midfielder, but say any target would need to be top level.

Source: Globo.com