What Happened in Brazilian Soccer Yesterday (Sunday, September 8nd, 2025)

Atlético-MG

• Atlético-MG signed Paraguayan defender Alexis Vargas, 18, on loan until 2026 as part of the academy’s restructuring after relegation.

• Recovered from injury, Lyanco returns to training and, alongside Junior Alonso, strengthens Atlético-MG’s defense for the decisive derby against Cruzeiro in the Copa do Brasil.

• In just seven days, Sampaoli debuts at Atlético-MG with three decisive challenges: the derby against Cruzeiro in the Copa do Brasil, a direct clash against Santos in the Brasileirão, and the away match against Bolívar at altitude in the Copa Sudamericana.

Bahia

• Bahia is close to selling Lucho Rodríguez to Neom (Saudi Arabia) for €22 million, the biggest transfer in the club’s history. The Tricolor will receive €20 million upfront, €2 million in bonuses, and keep 25% of a future sale. Lucho has 69 games, 20 goals, and 3 assists for the club.

• Bahia crushed Confiança 5–0 to secure their fifth Copa do Nordeste title in 2025, becoming the competition’s greatest champion.

• Bahia made an offer for Bruninho, Athletico’s young star, pleasing the player and possibly complicating his renewal with the Paraná club.

Botafogo

• Botafogo faces a marathon of games, and players such as Santi Rodríguez, Jeffinho, Cuiabano, and Newton may gain more playing time. With a smaller squad and load management, coach Davide Ancelotti will have to rotate the lineup.

• Vitinho may miss the clash against Vasco as he will be with Brazil’s national team in La Paz. With the short recovery time, Davide Ancelotti is preparing Mateo Ponte as an alternative at right-back.

• Goalkeeper Lucas Perri, formerly of Botafogo and now at Leeds, sued the club’s SAF for R$2.83 million in unpaid labor rights. The first hearing is scheduled for November 5.

Bragantino

• Defender Weimar Palacios was called up for Colombia’s U-20 National Team to prepare for the World Cup in Chile, from September 29 to October 5.

• Midfielder Myguel Sousa, from Red Bull Bragantino, was called up to Brazil’s U-15 National Team for the Conmebol Liga Evolución, with preparation in Palmas before the tournament in Paraguay.

Ceará

• Fernandinho completed his recovery and is available to coach Léo Condé after a thigh injury. He may feature against Vasco on the 14th.

• In the U-20 Clássico-Rei at Presidente Vargas Stadium, Fortaleza defeated Ceará 1–0 with a goal from Carlos Miguel.

Corinthians

• Guilherme Amorim, Corinthians’ young star, reached 20 goals in 2025 (19 for U-17 and 1 for U-20), leading the scoring charts. He renewed his contract after becoming a key player.

• Corinthians extended right-back João Vitor “Jacaré’s” contract until 2030, with a salary increase and higher release clause, consolidating him as a first-team option.

• Corinthians is negotiating with Matías Rojas to settle a €40 million debt linked to his contract (valid until 2027), aiming to avoid another FIFA transfer ban.

Cruzeiro

• Matheus Pereira and Wanderson returned to partial training, increasing their chances of playing the derby against Atlético-MG. Kaio Jorge remains doubtful.

• Cruzeiro renewed Bruno Alves’ contract until 2030, with a salary increase and a €100 million release clause, keeping the highly sought-after U-20 defender.

• Of Cruzeiro’s four signings, only Luis Sinisterra will be eligible for the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals against Atlético-MG; Kauã Moraes is unavailable, while Keny Arroyo and Ryan Guilherme can only play if the team advances.

Flamengo

• Pulgar accelerates his recovery from foot surgery and may return to training in September, though he is expected to miss the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals.

• Bruno Henrique’s defense will appeal to the STJD to annul his 12-match suspension and fine, arguing statute of limitations and requesting suspensive effect.

• Recovered from a thigh injury, Jorginho returns to training and strengthens Flamengo against Juventude, while Alex Sandro and Pulgar continue recovery.

Fluminense

• Fluminense is the team with the fewest shots on target in the Brasileirão after the Copa de Clubes, with only 26 in seven games (1.8 per match). Despite this, Cano (19 goals) and Everaldo (11) remain top scorers.

• Kevin Serna is in good form but has not yet been called up to Colombia’s national team, as coach Néstor Lorenzo prefers experienced players. Analysts believe he could get a chance in friendlies before the World Cup.

• Fluminense relies on its strong Maracanã record against Bahia — 14 years undefeated and five consecutive wins at home. The Tricolor has overturned 11 knockout ties after losing the first leg, including recent wins over LDU and Grêmio.

Fortaleza

• Coach Palermo led his second training session at Fortaleza yesterday (7th), with another scheduled today at Alcides Santos Stadium.

• Fortaleza announced the return of idol Bosco, known as “Paredão,” now as a goalkeeping coach.

• With Palermo’s arrival, players previously sidelined by Paiva — Magrão, Zé Welison, Martinez, and Devysson — were reinstated to the squad.

Grêmio

• Grêmio signed Panamanian striker Ryan Danilo for the U-20 squad, the first signing from the scouting hub opened in Panama three years ago.

• Grêmio may change half the team with six transfer window signings, including Arthur, Willian, and Carlos Vinicius, aiming to improve performance in 2025.

• In 2025, Grêmio’s academy generated R$105.5 million in sales, received R$33.6 million in investments, and developed talents such as Igor, Alysson, and Riquelme, despite poor U-20 results.

Internacional

• Internacional is seeking investors to fund a R$100 million training center in Guaíba, designed to be flood-resistant and serve both academy and professional teams.

• Internacional is reviewing poor academy results in 2025, including U-20 relegation and weak performances in other categories, and will restructure to restore competitiveness.

• Internacional is excited about the performance of Ghanaian midfielders in the academy and is expanding scouting in Africa, South America, and Brazil.

Juventude

• Defender Abner suffered a thigh injury and will miss about 20 days, sidelining him against Flamengo, Mirassol, and possibly Internacional. Luan Freitas will step in.

• Striker Negueba was introduced at Juventude and celebrated the chance to play in Série A, promising boldness and dedication. He is already eligible to play against Flamengo.

• Ygor Catatau, Gabriel Tota, and Romário, punished in the “Penalidade Máxima” case, have been cleared to return after serving two years and two months of suspension.

Mirassol

• Striker Chico da Costa, a childhood Grêmio fan, said his passion for the club is in the past and he is fully committed to Mirassol’s goals. He highlighted the team’s attacking style and previewed the match against Grêmio on September 13.

• Midfielder José Aldo, on loan from Ituano, praised his adaptation to Mirassol’s playing style and versatility, contributing with three assists in 24 games this season.

• In September, Mirassol will play four league matches — three away and one at home, where the team has a 73.3% success rate compared to 43.3% away.

Palmeiras

• Palmeiras U-17 defeated Sevilla (ESP) 2–1, remained unbeaten in the Club World Cup, and awaits the draw for Monday’s semifinal (08).

• Former Palmeiras player Pedro Acácio, 23, was named player of the month in Ukraine’s UCSA after shining in the second division, following spells in Brazilian lower-tier teams.

• Palmeiras signed midfielder Victor Gabriel on loan from Novorizontino after he scored 8 goals in 15 matches, strengthening the U-20 squad.

Santos

• Santos has eight players under contract until December 2025: Neymar will decide on renewal only at year’s end, Zé Ivaldo and Barreal’s futures are uncertain, Andrey Quintino has yet to debut, while Luiz Felipe, Messias, Rodrigo Fernández, and Vinícius Balieiro are unlikely to stay in 2026.

• Santos sold left-back Lorenzo Candido de Paula to Como (ITA), retaining 24.5% of a future transfer. With Italian citizenship, he will remain in the European club’s academy.

• Deivid Washington’s termination was registered with the CBF, and the striker returns to Chelsea after scoring 2 goals in 23 matches this season.

São Paulo

• São Paulo advanced in renewing Rodriguinho’s contract until 2028 or 2029, with a higher release clause.

• Defender Lucas Miranda was called up to Brazil’s U-15 National Team for the Conmebol Liga Evolución in Paraguay.

• Striker Emiliano Rigoni, a recent signing, has gone over seven months without scoring, with only one assist in 14 matches since February.

Sport Recife

• Zé Roberto remains sidelined in 2025 due to post-surgery muscular imbalance and is expected back only in 2026.

• Despite strong interest in Zé Lucas, international transfer restrictions before age 18 cooled negotiations; the plan is to keep him until 2026 before a possible sale abroad.

• Paulo André ended his 90-day consultancy with Sport, highlighting progress in internal communication and physical preparation, but warned that “the medicine is bitter” and professionalization must continue.

Vasco

• Coach Fernando Diniz will test Vasco’s defense after transfer window changes. Cuesta is suspended against Botafogo, and Hugo Moura is also unavailable against Ceará. The fight for starting spots remains open.

• Club Brugge showed interest in signing Leandrinho, but Vasco opted not to negotiate, betting on his value rising with the U-20 World Cup.

• Vasco is negotiating the departures of Loide Augusto, Mauricio Lemos, and Jean David to leagues with open windows. Mateus Carvalho and Lucas Oliveira, previously set to leave, will stay.

Vitória

• Dionísio will return to Vitória after his loan at Confiança but is not in the club’s plans. Management seeks to terminate his contract early, valid until December 2025.

• Vitória’s Fiscal Council clarified that the September 3 meeting transparently discussed LFU’s investment proposal, which was unanimously approved.

• Defender Geovane, captain of Vitória’s U-15, was called up to Brazil’s U-15 National Team for the Conmebol Liga Evolución in Paraguay.