Bahia agrees to sell Rafael Ratão to Shanghai Shenhua for 2 million euros in definitive negotiation

Esporte Clube Bahia agreed on the striker’s permanent transferRafael Ratãoto Shanghai Shenhua, from China. The negotiation involves the value of 2 million euros, equivalent to approximately R$12.7 million at the current price, and the player will sign a three-year contract with the Asian club. The parties have already reached an agreement, with only final details remaining to be made official.

The operation represents a successful financial strategy for the Bahian Tricolor. The club practically recovers the initial investment made in signing the player in 2023, adding amounts received from the previous loan and the current sale.

Rafael Ratão, 30 years old, returns to Asian football after a standout season. Ele defended Cerezo Osaka on loan in 2025 and established himself as one of the Japanese team’s main scorers.

• The striker played 44 games in all competitions for Cerezo Osaka.
• He scored 23 goals in total for the season.
• Distributed four assists.
• He was the club’s top scorer in the J-League.

Trajectory from Rafael Ratão to Bahia

Rafael Ratão arrived at Bahia in July 2023, coming from Toulouse, from França. The player was hired to reinforce the offensive sector and acted mainly as an option on the bench. During his time at Tricolor, he participated in 54 official matches.

In these games, the striker contributed with 10 goals scored and four assists provided. Sua Adaptation to Brazilian football occurred gradually, with standout moments in competitions such as Campeonato Baiano and Série A. However, competition in the squad led to the decision to go on loan to gain more minutes on the field.

Highlight in Japanese football

The loan to Cerezo Osaka marked the best moment of Rafael Ratão’s career in terms of productivity. Ele quickly adapted to the J-League style of play and became a fundamental part of the team’s attack. The player finished the season as Cerezo Osaka’s top scorer.

In the Japanese league, Ratão was third in the top scorers table, with 18 goals scored. Sua performance included decisive appearances in important matches, increasing his market value on the Asian scene. Clubes of China and Japão showed interest, but Shanghai Shenhua advanced in negotiations.

His performance at Japão contrasted with his time at Bahia, where he faced greater competition for position. The Asian experience allowed the striker to regain confidence and demonstrate scoring potential at a high level.

Trading details with Shanghai Shenhua

Shanghai Shenhua was looking for reinforcements for the attack in the following season and identified Ratão as a priority target. Negotiations progressed quickly after the end of the loan to Cerezo Osaka. Bahia opted for a definitive sale to balance its finances and make room in the cast.

The contract proposed to the player lasts for three years, starting immediately on China. The transfer does not include purchase option clauses, being a direct transaction. The fixed amount of 2 million euros meets Bahia’s expectations for the transaction.

This move is part of the Bahian club’s planning for 2026. With the sale, Tricolor frees up vacancies for possible new signings in the offensive sector.

Previous passage at Ásia and adaptation

Rafael Ratão had already shown an affinity for Asian football during his time at Japão. The local culture and the pace of the game favored his style of playing on the left wing. Ele highlighted the organization of teams and respect for players in recent interviews.

In Cerezo Osaka, the striker played in several attacking positions, including as a central reference in some games. Essa versatility caught the attention of Shanghai Shenhua, who competes in Chinese Super League. The Chinese league has attracted Brazilians with long contracts and competitive prices.

The change to China represents continuity on the Asian continent to Ratão. Ele leaves Bahia after a cycle of around two and a half years, marked by ups and downs.

Overall career figures for Ratão

Rafael Ratão started his professional career at Brasil and played for clubs at Eslováquia and França before arriving at Sua spell at Toulouse was highlighted by goals in European competitions. In total, the player accumulates experience in different leagues.

By Bahia:

• 54 games
• 10 goals
• 4 assists

For Cerezo Osaka (loan 2025):

• 44 games
• 23 goals
• 4 assists

These numbers reinforce the attacker’s potential in contexts where he receives more opportunities.

Recent movements in the Bahia market

Bahia has been actively moving in the transfer window. Além of the sale of Ratão, the club resolves situations involving other loaned players. The board seeks to balance the squad for competitions such as Libertadores and Brasileiro.

Trading with Shanghai Shenhua demonstrates the appreciation of assets formed or developed at the club. Operações similar events occurred in previous years with investment recovery.

Shanghai Shenhua profile

Shanghai Shenhua is one of the traditional clubs of Chinese Super League. The team regularly competes for national titles and participates in continental tournaments. Recentemente, the club invests in foreign players to strengthen the squad.

With the arrival of Ratão, Shenhua gains an experienced striker and goalscorer. The Brazilian joins other foreigners in the Chinese squad.

The transfer marks a new phase in the career of Rafael Ratão, who seeks consolidation in Asian football after success at Japão.