Hernán Barcos, 42, joins Sporting Cristal, Palmeiras’ 2026 Libertadores group rivals | OneFootball

Hernán Barcos, 42, has joined Sporting Cristal, Palmeiras’ group opponents in the 2026 Copa Libertadores.

According to Nosso Palestra, the Peruvian club have moved for the veteran to bolster their squad for the remainder of the season.

Sporting Cristal were in the same group as Palmeiras in the current edition and lost both meetings with Abel Ferreira’s side.

Barcos arrived at Palmeiras in 2012 after impressing with Liga de Quito, quickly winning over supporters with goals, grit and leadership during a difficult spell for the club.

He made over 60 appearances and scored dozens of goals, becoming a technical leader in the squad and maintaining his value across South America.

His exit in early 2013 caused a stir, as he joined Grêmio in a multi-player exchange that many fans viewed as unfavourable to the São Paulo club.

Comments he made after the move added to the friction with some Palmeiras supporters, making his farewell more contentious than his on-field success.

Since then he has played for clubs in several countries, including Grêmio, Cruzeiro and Alianza Lima, where he again stood out and became a leading figure in Peruvian football in recent years.

Source: Nosso Palestra