Palmeiras set for second half with six centre-back options | OneFootball

Palmeiras will carry a deep defensive unit into the second half of 2026, with six centre-backs available to Abel Ferreira.

According to Nosso Palestra, the choices are Gustavo Gómez, Murilo, Bruno Fuchs, Barboza, Benedetti and Kone.

Gómez and Murilo remain the reference pairing, having started for much of recent seasons and performed well in the first half of 2026. They aim to keep standards high as the campaign resumes.

After a positive 2025, Fuchs was signed permanently and now needs to repay that trust. Familiar with Ferreira’s model, he stands as one of the first alternatives to the starters.

Barboza has only just arrived and is adapting to the club. His presence lifts competition and he has the second half to push for minutes.

From the academy, Benedetti is already part of the senior routine but currently sits behind the more experienced options for game time.

Ivorian defender Kone is highly rated internally and is seeking to seize chances to climb the pecking order.

With varied profiles and trajectories, Palmeiras start the run-in with numbers at the back. Across the Campeonato Brasileiro, Copa do Brasil and Libertadores, that depth could help manage suspensions, injuries and fatigue.

Source: Nosso Palestra