What Happened in Brazilian Soccer Yesterday (Wednesday July 2nd 2025)

Atlético‑MG

• Atlético‑MG risks losing Igor Rabello, Saravia, and Fábio Gomes for free at the end of 2025, as all three could sign pre‑contracts elsewhere.

• Atlético‑MG turned down a US $2 million offer from Shabab Al‑Ahli for João Marcelo, choosing to hold him for future appreciation.

• The club is scouting 19‑year‑old Guyanese centre‑back Kvist Paul, currently on trial with the Under‑20s after stints in Jamaican football and the French Guiana national team.

  
  

Bahia

• Bahia lost 2–0 to Cruzeiro at CT Evaristo de Macedo in the Sub‑20 Brasileirão, remaining in poor form in 16th place with 16 points from 15 games.

• Forward Ademir called for caution ahead of the Copa do Nordeste match against Fortaleza, emphasizing home advantage and the opponent’s potential motivation.

• Right‑back Douglas Borel, a Bahia youth product, was signed by Santa Clara in Portugal and will compete in the Portuguese League and Conference League in 2025/26.

Botafogo

• Grêmio sought a defensive midfielder with a physical profile after abandoning the Caíque deal for medical reasons, probing Danilo Barbosa from Botafogo, who prefers a move abroad.

• Center‑back Bastos underwent surgery on his left knee in Italy, accompanied by a club‑appointed doctor; he’s expected back in about three months.

• Coach Renato Paiva’s dismissal was influenced by the poor use of expensive signings—especially Santiago Rodríguez, who cost R$ 85 million but saw limited action. The club hopes the new coach gives him and other new signings more chances.

Bragantino

• Red Bull Bragantino defeated Flamengo 2–1, securing an early spot in the Sub‑20 Brasileirão quarter‑finals and temporarily topping the table with 35 points.

Ceará

• Ceará showed interest in signing midfielder Matheus Frizzo from Novorizontino and forward Giovane from Corinthians.

• President João Paulo Silva revealed advanced negotiations for an unnamed player, hinting the club is seeking a defensive midfielder, a winger, and a striker for the rest of the season.

• Coach Léo Condé stated the squad returned from break even more motivated, focusing on a decisive second half in both the Copa do Nordeste and Brasileirão.

Corinthians

• 30‑year‑old striker Carlos Vinícius, a free agent after leaving Fulham, was offered to Corinthians.

• With Igor Coronado and Giovane gone, 21‑year‑old Kayke—Copinha 2024 standout—may get more opportunities in the first team.

• The dismissal of physiotherapist Alex Cabrera caused unrest among senior players, who valued him and demanded the board provide explanations.

Cruzeiro

• Cruzeiro faces Defensa y Justicia this Thursday at 8 pm in the Vitória Cup, using the tournament to rotate the squad; the match will air live on SporTV and Premiere.

• Vélez rejected another loan request for Argentine centre‑back Valentín Gómez, insisting on a permanent deal, prolonging negotiations.

• Though a reserve, Eduardo leads the team in appearances under Leonardo Jardim in 2025, with 20 matches played.

Flamengo

• Gerson generated R$ 144 million profit for Flamengo through transfers over six years, in addition to delivering 12 titles.

• The CBF has scheduled Flamengo vs. São Paulo for July 12 at Maracanã, after Flamengo returns from the Club World Cup.

• With limited playing time and declining prestige, Pedro is unhappy; the club is considering signing another striker.

Fluminense

• Fluminense faces wealthy Al‑Hilal in the Club World Cup quarter‑finals, running an R$ 180 million annual budget compared to Al‑Hilal’s R$ 1.13 billion. Despite winning the Libertadores, they have the lowest investment among qualifiers and are considering converting to an SAF model to raise funds.

• Manager Renato Gaúcho has received praise for tactical versatility at the Club World Cup, adapting the team each game. Labeled "ex‑playboy" by his critics, he responded with seriousness and results—including the win over Inter Milan.

• Since 2012, Fluminense has faced at least one new opponent each season, a 14‑year streak. In 2025 they’ve already had seven unbeaten first‑time matchups, with Al‑Hilal being the eighth.

Fortaleza

• Fortaleza signed Paraguayan forward Adam Bareiro (ex‑River Plate) for about R$ 9.7 million.

• The club decided not to release Lucas Sasha, despite an agreement with Athletico; the situation should resolve in coming days.

• Coach Pochettino celebrated his contract renewal to 2027, citing the Cearense title as a highlight. He described upcoming derbies against Bahia and Ceará as "win or die" affairs.

Grêmio

• Grêmio won a training match 5–1 against Aimoré, with Mano Menezes testing a double pivot midfield and demanding intense pressure.

• Racing Club is interested in Cristian Pavón, who may be sold after inconsistent performances and fan backlash.

• Cristian Olivera suffered burns in a domestic accident and will be out of action for about 10 days.

Internacional

• With injured players returning and Alan Benítez arriving, Internacional aims to strengthen its defense to escape the relegation zone in the Brasileirão.

• Inter is negotiating for Uruguayan midfielder Alan Rodríguez, captain of Argentinos Juniors, with a US $4 million offer.

• The club is monitoring Colombian midfielder Juan Portilla from Talleres—also tracked by Atlético‑MG—to reinforce midfield in the next transfer window.

Juventude

• Juventude is searching for reinforcements for the second half of the Brasileirão but faces difficulty signing goalkeeper Gatito Fernández and is negotiating the possible sale of centre‑back Abner to Brazilian and European clubs. Four new players have started training, and the club still wants an attacking midfielder to fill the vacancy left by Jean Carlos.

Mirassol

• The "100 days of Rafael Guanaes" mark his early days as Mirassol coach—coinciding with the club’s historic first‑ever Série A debut during its centennial year. Guanaes was introduced in March, marking the start of his leadership.

Palmeiras

• Forward Paulinho participated in most of Wednesday’s training, marking his gradual return ahead of the Club World Cup match against Chelsea.

• Palmeiras aims to renew left‑back Piquerez’s contract (expires end‑2026) to avoid losing him on a free transfer amid European interest and a possible pre‑contract.

• Al‑Hilal submitted an offer of roughly €50 million (around R$ 321 million) for Palmeiras’ Richard Ríos.

Santos

• Former Santos player Weslley Patati, now starring at Maccabi Tel Aviv, received a €3.5 million (R$ 22.4 million) offer from a Dutch club, but Maccabi wants at least €5 million (R$ 32 million); Santos, holding 40% of any transfer gain, could net about R$ 9 million.

• Left‑back Kevyson, 21, is close to joining Sport Recife on loan until the end of Série A; he’s seeking more playing time after few opportunities at Santos.

• Santos is finalizing the extension of 20‑year‑old forward Rafael Freitas’s loan (from the Sub‑20 squad) through June 2026, betting on his knee recovery and potential to integrate into the first team.

São Paulo

• São Paulo secured renewal with centre‑back Alan Franco (28) through 2027, following his positive response and the imminent departure of Ruan Tressoldi.

• The club is progressing in negotiations to sell Matheus Alves to CSKA Moscow for about R$ 39.7 million, easing financial pressures.

• Lucas Moura and Ferreira remain in physical transition, participating in field activities ahead of the Flamengo match.

Sport Recife

• Sport has not advanced in pursuing Gustavo from Shabab Al‑Ahli and has shown no interest in Matheus Frizzo from Novorizontino, per player staff.

• Cristian Zavala remains on Sport’s radar, as the club seeks two forwards this window; Colo‑Colo demands R$ 12 million but is willing to negotiate.

• Sport lost 2–1 to Botafogo‑PB’s mixed squad in a training match at CT José de Andrade Médicis, as part of preparation for facing Ceará in the Copa do Nordeste.

Vasco

• Vasco is looking for young, resalable reinforcements for next window, focusing on wide forwards recommended by Admar Lopes—such as Alan Minda and Andrés Gómez. They aim to sign players ready to contribute and generate sporting and financial return.

• The club showed interest in Ecuadorian winger Alan Minda from Cercle Brugge and is considering a loan with purchase option. The player has senior national team caps and stands out for speed and resale potential.

• President Pedrinho stated that efforts to find a new investor for Vasco’s SAF are ongoing, with caution after a negative experience with 777 Partners. One interested party is in advanced financial review but has not yet submitted an official proposal.

Vitória

• Forward Ismael Díaz, targeted by Vitória, did not return to Universidad Católica after the Gold Cup, while teammate Londoño has resumed training—intensifying transfer rumors with the Bahia club.

• Vitória ramped up training on Wednesday, focusing on finishing and offensive buildup, running three‑team small‑field drills; centre‑back Neris continues recovery with treatment and light running.

• Salvador mayor Bruno Reis confirmed support for building Arena Barradão, Vitória’s 50,000‑seat stadium project, saying meetings with the governor and club leadership are already scheduled.