Palmeiras keep five from last title and target new winning generation | OneFootball

Palmeiras begin the Campeonato Paulista knockouts on Saturday, chasing their first trophy of the season and a return to state glory after two years.

According to Globo.com, only five players from the 2024 state title remain at the Academia de Futebol, namely Marcelo Lomba, Gustavo Gómez, Murilo, Piquerez and Flaco López.

Since that triumph, departures have included Weverton, Marcos Rocha, Mayke, Luan, Vanderlan, Caio Paulista, Gabriel Menino, Zé Rafael, Aníbal Moreno, Richard Ríos, Fabinho, Raphael Veiga, Breno Lopes, Rony, Estêvão, Luis Guilherme, Lázaro and Endrick. Dudu and Bruno Rodrigues missed the final against Santos through injury and have also left.

After the 2024 season, the hierarchy and coaching staff deemed a rebuild necessary for a squad that had lifted 10 titles under Abel Ferreira. The revamp began in 2025 with 12 signings viewed as the club’s future, among them Carlos Miguel, Andreas Pereira, Paulinho and Vitor Roque, while Allan stepped up from the under-20s to the starting line-up.

Early 2026 brought further additions in midfielder Marlon Freitas and Jhon Arias, who could debut at 20:30 Brasília time on Saturday against Capivariano at Arena Crefisa Barueri. After runners-up finishes in last year’s Paulista, Brasileirão and Conmebol Libertadores, Palmeiras are banking on those lessons to harden the team and restore a winning habit.

Source: Globo.com