What Happened in Brazilian Soccer Yesterday (Thursday, June 26th 2025)

Atlético-MG

• Atlético-MG confirms a delay in payment to Paulinho from the transfer to Palmeiras and also owes the player a signing bonus, despite disagreements over the reported amounts.

• Paulo Bracks criticizes the youth development at Atlético-MG, foresees a promising future with the U-17 generation, and emphasizes the need for internal talent scouting and development.

• Atlético-MG signs a professional contract with Mosquito, a 17-year-old U-17 star, setting a €70 million release clause for European clubs.

Bahia

• Bahia SAF sold the former Fazendão training center to Direcional Engenharia for over R$ 44 million—double the previously authorized value—and will use the funds to build a new training center in Camaçari, on a site up to 440,000 m², promised to be the largest and best in Latin America.

• On loan from Bahia to Volta Redonda to gain minutes, full-back Caio Roque remains a reserve and has played only 18 minutes in Série B. Out of the squad since May, he is under contract with Bahia until the end of 2025 and has only ten games with the club, mostly at the U-20 level.

Botafogo

• Botafogo faces Palmeiras in the Club World Cup round of 16 with an advantage in recent matchups: five unbeaten games since November 2023. Igor Jesus and Savarino stand out, each scoring two goals.

• Midfielder Gregore is suspended due to yellow card accumulation and will miss the World Cup match. Coach Renato Paiva is expected to adjust the tactical setup, keeping Allan and Marlon Freitas in midfield and assessing options like Cuiabano, Montoro, Mastriani, or Arthur Cabral up front.

• Igor Jesus scored eight of the team’s nine goals under Renato Paiva, becoming a key offensive asset. After standing out at the World Cup, the 25-year-old forward was praised in England and compared to a "Modern Drogba."

Bragantino

• Fabrício (goalkeeper, 25), Gabriel (midfielder), and Vitinho (midfielder) have contracts with Red Bull Bragantino until December; the first two are expected to renew, while Vitinho is not in the club's plans.

Ceará

• Fully recovered from injury, goalkeeper Richard has completed his physical reconditioning and is expected to return to Ceará’s squad. A club idol, he may be an option for coach Léo Condé against Sport and Fortaleza.

• Léo Condé completes one year at the helm of Ceará with promotion to Série A, a state title, and a 71% success rate, becoming a symbol of the club’s recent stability and success.

• Condé confirms Ceará will be at full strength against Sport in the Copa do Nordeste and emphasizes the importance of keeping the team organized, competitive, and tactically refreshed after the season break.

Corinthians

• Jonathan Cafu has filed a lawsuit against Corinthians, demanding around R$ 2.5 million (approximately €430,000) in unpaid FGTS deposits during his contract between 2020 and 2023. Igor Coronado is also seeking about R$ 10 million (approximately €1.75 million) from the club over unpaid signing bonuses from his 2024 agreement

• Additionally, Corinthians has renewed its sponsorship deal with Nike until 2036. The agreement is worth R$ 590 million (about €103 million) over ten years, with R$ 100 million to be paid in advance across three installments: R$ 50 million in August 2025, R$ 25 million in January 2026, and R$ 25 million in August 2026.

Cruzeiro

• Cruzeiro returned to training focusing on recovering injured players, contract renewals, and targeted signings for the next transfer window.

• Investor Pedro Lourenço revealed he was rarely paid for player transfers at Cruzeiro before the club became a SAF, except in Lucas Silva's case, and is now receiving R$ 25 million through judicial recovery.

• Cruzeiro is looking for a left-footed center-back and is targeting Brayan Medina from América de Cali, while maintaining interest in Victor Gabriel from Internacional.

Flamengo

• Flamengo and Germany share a relationship marked by cultural exchange, shared idols, and marketing actions, reinforced by the upcoming clash with Bayern Munich at the 2025 Club World Cup.

• Bruno Henrique calls the match against Bayern "the game of our lives," praises the opponent, highlights Flamengo’s strength in big games, and expresses optimism about advancing in the tournament.

• Zenit finalizes the signing of Gerson and will pay R$ 160 million upfront after the Club World Cup, with the player’s approval and a focus on high financial return.

Fluminense

• Fluminense will face Inter Milan in the Club World Cup round of 16 next Monday (30th) and has already secured R$ 148.9 million in prize money.

• Since joining Fluminense in 2021, Arias has become a key player in successful campaigns, generating around R$ 480 million in prize earnings for the club. Bought for R$ 3.1 million, the midfielder is now valued at €17 million and could still yield future profits.

• Soteldo continues recovering from a muscle injury and is uncertain for the round of 16. The club is working to have him fit in time; the attacker hasn’t played in the tournament yet.

Fortaleza

• Fortaleza renewed midfielder Tomás Pochettino’s contract until 2027 with an extension option, recognizing his importance in recent achievements and his desire to stay.

• José Herrera has agreed to a transfer to Fortaleza, missed Argentinos Juniors’ friendly match, and awaits final paperwork before arriving in Brazil.

• Moisés remains in the medical department with a thigh injury, while Lucas Sasha and Matheus Rossetto have resumed full training.

Grêmio

• Grêmio is working to finalize signings of Rafinha Alcântara and Adryelson to strengthen midfield and defense for the next window.

• Romarinho demanded R$ 1 million/month and a long-term deal, which Grêmio declined due to cost, fitness, and adaptation concerns.

• Right-back Marlon, on loan from Cruzeiro, wants to stay at Grêmio to continue his journey and compete in the Copa Sudamericana.

Internacional

• Internacional is considering signing Vitinho—also offered to São Paulo—on loan with a purchase option to strengthen the attack.

• Goalkeeper Anthoni, currently a starter, has drawn interest from Italy's Atalanta, though no official bid has been made.

• Roger Machado and D'Alessandro support Taison’s return to Internacional, but the club’s board remains hesitant and the fanbase is divided.

Juventude

• Juventude is in a mid-season training period, focusing on physical reconditioning and integrating new players Hudson, Marcelo Hermes, and Rafael Bilu. Midfielder Jadson emphasizes the importance of this break for mental recovery and tactical preparation ahead of July matches.

Mirassol

• Danielzinho, Mirassol’s captain and midfielder, gave up his childhood dream of being a cowboy to pursue football, highlighting hard work and humility as the path to Série A. He maintains a strong friendship with coach Rafael Guanaes, who influenced his career and mindset.

Palmeiras

• Palmeiras is negotiating the signing of Paraguayan forward Ramón Sosa, 25, from Nottingham Forest, potentially for over €11 million (R$ 71 million).

• Palmeiras also approached Gabriel Pec, 23, from LA Galaxy, to strengthen their wing attack options for 2025.

• The club is monitoring Pepê, 27, who lacks playing time at Porto and could be brought in on loan or a discounted fee as an alternative to Sosa.

Santos

• Despite offers from three Série A clubs, including Athletico-PR, Santos refused to sell Thaciano, who will stay despite fan criticism.

• Midfielder Gustavo Henrique, 19, renewed his contract with Santos until January 2028 and remains a U-20 standout, capable of playing as a right-back as well.

• Right-back Igor Vinícius, 28, is close to joining Santos from São Paulo after an early agreement between the clubs.

São Paulo

• Luiz Gustavo, 37, has resumed activities at São Paulo after recovering from pulmonary embolism but is expected to return to games only after August due to medical restrictions.

• Matheus Alves failed to report back to São Paulo and is close to being sold to CSKA Moscow for about €6 million (R$ 37.78 million), with 25% resale rights.

• São Paulo is optimistic about renewing Argentine defender Alan Franco’s contract, offering a two-year deal and a salary raise.

Sport Recife

• Sport is targeting striker Bergson, 34, who scored 152 goals in 137 matches for Johor, Malaysia.

• The club is also considering winger Bilal Ould-Chick, 27, champion of the Dutch second division with Volendam (5 goals, 20 assists), now a free agent.

• Sport began a new expansion phase of its training center, investing R$ 15 million. The facility will include two pitches, a hotel, a gym, an administrative building, and more, totaling 23 hectares—making it the 6th largest in Brazil.

Vasco

• Brighton (England) is preparing a bid for forward Rayan, a Vasco prospect. Despite interest from other clubs, Vasco hopes to keep him until year-end but may accept an irresistible offer.

• Vasco’s legal VP, Felipe Carregal, confirmed advanced talks with an investor for SAF acquisition, currently under financial review. There is no formal offer yet, and the club remains cautious.

Vitória

• Vitória announced Portuguese midfielder Ruben Rodrigues, 28, from Oxford United (17th in England’s second division).

• Vitória resumed training this Friday (27th) with newcomers Thiago Couto and Ruben Rodrigues joining the squad after a two-week break. The team prepares to face Confiança in the Copa do Nordeste and Internacional in the Brasileirão.