Palmeiras further from signing Nino as Barboza move nears | OneFootball

Palmeiras are moving away from a deal for Nino as Alexander Barboza’s arrival nears. According to Globo.com, the club have not abandoned the Zenit defender, but a fresh bid now looks a remote possibility.

When Barboza became an option, Nino was still lined up as a mid-year target. Palmeiras are now reassessing whether the 31-year-old from Botafogo fits needs in a position that already includes Gustavo Gómez, Murilo, Bruno Fuchs and Benedetti.

Palmeiras had agreed personal terms with Nino in the early window, then opened talks with Zenit. An initial offer of seven million euros, about R$ 41.3 million, was rejected.

The club believed they could reach around 12 million euros, about R$ 70 million, but Zenit would only revisit negotiations after the Russian league ends this weekend. Zenit lead the table.

In late April, Palmeiras opened discussions with Botafogo over Barboza, who is out of contract at year’s end and has not agreed an extension. Botafogo opted to sell now, viewing it as the last chance to secure a fee.

Palmeiras will pay four million dollars in four instalments. Barboza has passed a medical, yet remains available to Botafogo and can only report to his new club after the World Cup.

He could play one more Brasileirão match and two Copa Sudamericana games before completing the move.

Source: Globo.com