2026 season kicks off: how Palmeiras' squad is shaping up | OneFootball

After almost a month of vacation, the Palmeiras squad returns to the Football Academy on Sunday afternoon, with their sights set on the 2026 season, which starts earlier this year. In January, the club is preparing for the Campeonato Paulista and Campeonato Brasileiro competitions.

The delegation will return without Abel Ferreira. The Portuguese coach had his contract renewed until 2027 at the end of last year and was given permission by the board to resume work a little after the squad. Abel, however, will be present at Tuesday’s training session.

Palmeiras last played on December 7, when they defeated Ceará 3-1 at Castelão, in the final round of the Brasileirão.

See below for the current status of the Palmeiras squad as they return.

Possible Returns and Absences

At the start of the Campeonato Paulista, coach Abel Ferreira will still be missing some key players. Midfielder Lucas Evangelista and forward Paulinho are recovering from surgeries on their right thigh and right leg, respectively. Both followed their recovery schedules until December 23.

In addition, midfielder/forward Felipe Anderson, recovering from a sprained left ankle, and defensive midfielder Figueiredo (ACL surgery) continued their recovery at the Football Academy. Felipe Anderson, however, should already be available to Abel for the start of the Paulista, as well as Emiliano Martínez, who ended last season sidelined due to a left foot injury.

Goalkeeper Weverton, recovered from a fracture in his right hand suffered in October 2025, starts the year competing for the position with Carlos Miguel, who finished last season as a starter. The Verdão’s number 21 shared some of his training sessions on social media during the break.

See more: Return, Paulista and Brasileiro: check Palmeiras’ schedule for January

Who Left?

For the 2026 season, Palmeiras no longer has defensive midfielder Aníbal Moreno. The former number 5 had an inconsistent season and, at the end of the year, was sold to River Plate for 7 million dollars, leaving a gap in the squad that will need to be filled.

Under-20 right-back Gilberto, who was occasionally called up to the professional team, has been loaned to Athletico-PR until the end of the season.

Another departure is center-back Micael. The player did not meet expectations and will be transferred. In recent days, Verdão has arranged a loan for the 25-year-old to Inter Miami, with a purchase option.

Still Out on Loan

Palmeiras has renewed the loans of two players. Left-back Caio Paulista left Atlético-MG and signed with Grêmio for one year, with a purchase option. Midfielder Rômulo, meanwhile, had his loan with Novorizontino extended for another season.

Who’s Arriving?

After investing around R$ 700 million last season and overhauling the squad, Palmeiras is expected to make only targeted signings. The club is close to signing defensive midfielder Marlon Freitas from Botafogo. The deal is advanced, with only contractual adjustments and medical exams remaining.

Additionally, Palmeiras has confirmed the permanent signing of center-back Bruno Fuchs, who was previously on loan until the end of 2025. Verdão exercised the purchase option with Atlético-MG and signed the player until 2029.

See how the Palmeiras squad looks so far:

Goalkeepers: Aranha, Carlos Miguel, Marcelo Lomba, and Weverton Center-backs: Benedetti, Bruno Fuchs, Gustavo Gómez, Murilo, and Micael* Right-backs: Agustín Giay and Khellven Left-backs: Piquerez and Jefté Midfielders: Allan, Andreas Pereira, Emiliano Martínez, Felipe Anderson, Figueiredo, Lucas Evangelista, Mauricio, and Raphael Veiga Forwards: Bruno Rodrigues, Facundo Torres, Flaco López, Luighi, Paulinho, Ramón Sosa, and Vitor Roque

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