The Palmeiras accelerates movements in the transfer market with advanced negotiations for Thiago Almada, from Atlético to Madrid, and Jhon Arias, to Wolverhampton. The negotiations aim to reinforce the offensive sector for the 2026 season, after a 2025 without titles. The board is looking for players with experience in Brazilian football and greater technical protagonism to raise the level of the Abel Ferreira squad.
The club has already signed Marlon Freitas as a reinforcement in midfield. Agora, the focus is on creation and completion, with Almada and Arias as the main targets. The transfer window allows definitions until March 3rd.
Priority on Jhon Arias gains strength behind the scenes
Palmeiras considers Jhon Arias absolute priority. The 28-year-old Colombian attacking midfielder is a long-time target for the club.
Arias defends Wolverhampton, bottom of Premier League with just seven points in 21 rounds. The team has 16 defeats, four draws and one victory. The player played in 22 games, starting 15, and scored one goal.
The context of instability at the English club favors the attempt at repatriation. The Verdão bets on the desire for greater regularity and protagonism to convince the athlete to return to the Brasil.
Formal proposal by Thiago Almada advances in difficult negotiations
Palmeiras formalized an offer to Atlético of Madrid for Thiago Almada, 24 years old. The Spanish club is asking for 20 million euros for 50% of the Argentine midfielder’s economic rights.
Almada only plays a few games this season and is looking for more minutes to prepare for the Copa of the Mundo in 2026. The player prioritizes regularity in the Argentine national team.
Negotiation is complex due to the high values. Palmeiras leads among Brazilian interested parties, but evaluates the investment with caution.
Tactical fit may require adjustments to the Abel Ferreira scheme
The arrival of Almada or Arias would require changes in the formation. Abel Ferreira could move Vitor Roque to the left wing, opening space for the new midfielder as number 10 or on the right.
Andreas Pereira and Marlon Freitas would provide support in midfield with marking and quality in passing the ball. The attacking duo Flaco López and Vitor Roque directly contributed to 56 goals in 2025.
Palmeiras is estimated to sell Allan, valued after a good campaign at Libertadores. The club refused a proposal below 40 million euros from Napoli.
Planning prioritizes consolidated experience to avoid fasting
The board avoids repeating bets on athletes in training. Para 2026, the focus is on ready-made reinforcements with a remarkable experience in national football.
Ramón Sosa and Facundo Torres remained in the cast, but without the same prominence as the previous year. Paulinho continues to recover from surgery, with no defined deadline.
The squad needs more consolidated options for intense disputes. The negotiations signal ambition to resume achievements.
Debut at Paulista marks the start of the season with a young base
Palmeiras debuts on Campeonato Paulista this Saturday, at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), against Portuguesa, on Canindé. Jogadores of the base must gain initial opportunities.
Conversations by Almada and Arias proceed in parallel. The club works to define reinforcements that raise the competitive level in national and continental competitions.
