What Happened in Brazilian Soccer Yesterday (Wednesday., July 9nd 2025)

Atlético-MG

• Hulk admitted Atlético-MG is facing financial difficulties with delayed salaries but trusts SAF management to resolve the issue soon.

• With overdue wages and a focus on balancing finances, Atlético-MG is shifting priorities and exercising caution in the transfer market.

• Cuello resumed ball training, and coach Cuca is preparing the team for a crucial match against Bahia in the Brasileirão G-6 race.

Bahia

• Bahia defeated Fortaleza 2–1 at Fonte Nova with goals from Willian José and Caio Alexandre, securing a spot in the Copa do Nordeste semifinals.

• After the win, coach Rogério Ceni admitted the Copa do Nordeste is the lowest priority among the four tournaments this semester, but pledged full effort.

• Left-back Iago Borduchi missed the game due to a skin infection with an abscess, adding to his streak of physical issues this season.

Botafogo

• Botafogo made an offer for 19-year-old Luis Guilherme from West Ham, but the player prefers to remain in Europe.

• The club is in advanced talks to sign midfielder Jordan Barrera (19) from Junior Barranquilla for US$4 million (80% rights).

• Fenerbahçe, coached by José Mourinho, is preparing a bid for left-back Cuiabano. Brighton and Nottingham Forest have also shown interest.

Bragantino

• Red Bull Bragantino inquired about right-back JP Chermont from Santos, but the club has no intention of selling him mid-season.

Ceará

• Ceará eliminated Sport on penalties in the Copa do Nordeste (0(4)-0(2)) and will now face Bahia in the semifinals.

• Coach Condé praised Bruno Ferreira’s return in goal and projected a competitive clash with Bahia.

• Lelê will not play for Nagoya Grampus in 2025 due to FIFA rules after appearing for two clubs this season. Ceará will receive R$1.95 million from the termination.

Corinthians

• Defensive midfielder Kallil Soares (18) left Corinthians’ U-20 to join Portuguesa in search of playing time.

• Promising talent Lucca Caramico (16) signed a professional contract with a €50 million release clause until 2028.

• Memphis Depay missed training due to unpaid wages and unresolved bonus issues.

Cruzeiro

• Cruzeiro tried to sign Gabri Martínez from Braga but won’t enter a bidding war after the initial offer was rejected.

• Gabigol isn’t a starter due to tactical decisions, but coach Leonardo Jardim values his role and aims to integrate him better in the second half.

• Midfielder Japa returned from serious injury with limited minutes; Jardim expects him to shine only next season.

Flamengo

• Jorginho, after shining in Europe, will make his professional debut in Brazil at age 33 with Flamengo, where he previously excelled in the Club World Cup.

• Flamengo prioritizes offensive reinforcements this transfer window and is assessing the departures of Michael and Wesley to balance the squad.

• Wesley has agreed to terms with Roma, which is preparing a €25 million offer to meet coach Gasperini’s request.

Fluminense

• Fluminense aims to resume talks for John Kennedy’s return. The forward is unhappy at Pachuca and may terminate his contract early.

• Jhon Arias is targeted by Wolverhampton, but Fluminense—holding only 50% of his rights—has no plans to sell. Arias prefers a move to England and awaits an official offer.

Fortaleza

• After seven straight years with titles (2018–2024), Fortaleza will end the 2025 season trophyless due to poor squad planning and underperforming players.

• Despite a bid from Rosario Central, Fortaleza will retain Gastón Ávila, on loan from Ajax, as a key player following Titi's departure.

• The club sold 50% of defender Bernardo Schappo's rights to Estrela da Amadora for €200,000. He never played a match for Fortaleza.

Grêmio

• Approved by coach Mano Menezes, Alex Santana debuted in Grêmio's win and is confirmed to start against Cruzeiro.

• Braithwaite and Villasanti will reinforce the squad for the Cruzeiro game, but Cuéllar’s return remains uncertain.

• The future of Matías Arezo is unclear; negotiations with Peñarol have stalled, though Menezes praised his commitment.

Internacional

• With the transfer window open, Inter is looking for a replacement for Fernando but is focused on maintaining its core squad and avoiding inflated deals.

• Gabriel Mercado is back after nine months out with injury; coach Roger Machado is gradually reintroducing him.

• Matías Rojas, with limited playing time at River Plate, is a potential midfield target for Internacional.

Juventude

• Juventude introduced Marcelo Hermes and Rafael Bilu as new signings to help the team in Série A. Both are eager to reunite with coach Claudio Tencati.

• The club also signed Hudson, Lucas Fernandes, and is awaiting the official announcement of Gabriel Veron.

Mirassol

• Zé Vitor returned to Maringá after a short loan at Mirassol, where he played only twice. He will now help Maringá push for a Série C playoff spot.

Palmeiras

• Goalkeeper Kaique (21), a Palmeiras youth product, is close to joining CD Nacional (Portugal) on loan for the 2025/2026 season.

• Zenit showed interest in right-back Giay (21), but Palmeiras doesn’t intend to sell him during this window.

• Palmeiras signed forward Ramón Sosa (ex-Nottingham Forest) for around R$76 million with a contract until 2030.

Santos

• Banfield is close to signing striker Julio Furch (35), pending contract termination with Santos, where he earned about R$1.3 million/month.

• Beşiktaş and Paris FC scouted attacking midfielder Miguelito, on loan at América-MG, following his Série B and Bolivian NT performances.

• Goalkeeper João Paulo rejected loan offers from Sport and Juventude, citing their poor league form, and remains at Santos seeking opportunities post-injury.

São Paulo

• São Paulo advanced talks with River Plate to loan striker Gonzalo Tapia (23) until December 2026.

• Midfielder Felipe Negrucci (21), a São Paulo academy product, received inquiries from three Italian clubs but wants to earn his place at Tricolor.

Sport Recife

• Sport drew 0–0 with Ceará and lost on penalties (2–4), exiting the Copa do Nordeste. That marked 14 matches without a win.

• Coach Daniel Paulista lamented the elimination but saw positives in his debut and believes the team can improve to avoid relegation.

• Sport signed Matheusinho (ex-Criciúma and América-MG) on loan with a mandatory buy clause if performance goals are met.

Vasco

• Club president Pedrinho called Richarlison to discuss his Tottenham situation. Besides Vasco, the striker draws interest from Fluminense, Flamengo, Palmeiras, and two Saudi clubs.

• Coach Fernando Diniz tested Hugo Moura as a center-back in recent training. Vasco won’t strengthen its defense unless a player leaves.

• Volta Redonda tried to sign GB on loan, but Vasco declined the offer.

Vitória

• Fábio Carille is Vitória’s new head coach after Thiago Carpini’s departure and is set to debut against Internacional in Série A.

• Carpini bid farewell after 14 months in charge, thanking fans and highlighting the 2024 campaign that led to international qualification.

• Despite an offer from CSKA Sofia, Vitória extended midfielder Ronald’s contract until December 2027.