Palmeiras loanee keeper adapting in Portugal after injury, eyes run | OneFootball

On loan from Palmeiras, goalkeeper Kaique Pereira made his debut for CD Nacional last Sunday, in the seventh round of the Portuguese Championship. The 22-year-old athlete helped the team secure a 1-0 away victory, celebrated the moment, and set his sights on playing as much as possible this season.

“I’m very happy to debut with a win and without conceding any goals. It’s a feeling of accomplishment, since these points will be crucial at the end of the championship. It was only the second time the club has won at this stadium, so it’s significant to be a part of that. My goal is to play as many games as possible this season, get a good run, and of course, help Nacional earn as many points as possible,” he said.

Kaique faced challenges in his 1st season in Portugal

The goalkeeper, who came up through Palmeiras’ youth academy, faced challenges in his first season in Portugal. He was loaned to Farense in June 2024. Shortly after crossing the Atlantic, he suffered a right forearm injury, needed surgery, and was sidelined for about three months.

Kaique stayed at Farense until June of this year. After the loan ended, he was transferred to CD Nacional, the club with which he is under contract until June 30, 2026. Now in Portugal for the second consecutive year, the goalkeeper says he is much more prepared and adapted to European football.

“My adaptation was much quicker here because I didn’t have an injury at the start of the season, like I did last year. I ended up missing three months. Besides that, I believe I’ve matured in every way, especially in understanding European football. I’m much more prepared to help Nacional achieve its goals this season,” he added.

The goalkeeper’s numbers at Palmeiras

Before being loaned to Nacional, Kaique renewed his contract with Palmeiras until 2030. His previous contract was valid until 2026. At Verdão, he played 77 matches in the youth categories and won eight titles, as well as a South American U-20 championship with the Brazilian National Team.

CD Nacional’s next match

Match: Nacional vs. Moreirense Competition: Portuguese Championship (8th round) Date and time: October 4, 2025 (Saturday), at 2:00 p.m. (Brasília time) Venue: Estádio da Madeira, in Funchal (POR)

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