Palmeiras advances in conversations for Barboza and evaluates immediate release from Botafogo

Palmeiras started conversations with defender Alexander Barboza. The defender has a contract with Botafogo until the end of December this year. The first negotiations with the player’s staff were positive.

The link allows Barboza to sign a pre-contract with another club starting in July. Palmeiras prefers this no-cost option for the upcoming season. The São Paulo club remains cautious and is not in a hurry to close a deal in 2026.

Conversas initials with staff advance

The first surveys took place in the last few days. ge found that Barboza has already signaled its interests to those involved. The parties see the possible arrival of Allianz Parque for 2027 as the main scenario at this time.

The 31-year-old Argentine defender plays as a starter for Botafogo. Ele has played 117 games for the Rio club since his arrival, with four goals and four assists. Barboza was an important part of the achievements of Libertadores and Brasileirão in 2024.

• Barboza is 1.93 m tall and plays preferably with his left foot.
• In the 2026 season, he has accumulated 19 appearances, two goals and three assists so far.
• The defender has a constant presence in Série A and in continental competitions.

Situação from renewal on Botafogo

Barboza attempted to extend the link with Botafogo. Negotiations for a new contract until 2029 advanced in January, but were not concluded. The player’s staff asked for guarantees in addition to the financial part.

The defender demanded the permanence of specific directors in the black and white structure. Botafogo’s financial situation weighed on the discussions and left the process stuck. The Rio club still wants the defender to stay, but recognizes that the situation has become more complicated.

Botafogo has not received formal communication regarding contacts with Palmeiras. Nos behind the scenes, the black and white board follows the movement. An immediate release would only be on the agenda if Palmeiras fails to find the main target for the defense.

Nino continues as priority of Verdão

Palmeiras treats the signing of Nino from Zenit as the main plan to reinforce the defense in the next window. Conversations with the Brazilian defender and his staff have been going on for months. The São Paulo club is waiting for the right moment to move forward with the Russian club.

Caso the negotiations by Nino do not progress as expected, Verdão can activate alternatives. Barboza appears on this radar as a market option. The Argentine would arrive without a high initial investment via pre-contract.

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Palmeiras’s football department evaluates Barboza’s left-handed profile. The defender would bring experience in national and South American competitions. The Palmeiras board of directors analyzes the right time to intensify the conversations or not.

Perfil coach and recent defender numbers

Alexander Barboza was born on March 16, 1995 as Argentina. Ele is 31 years old and 1.93 m tall. The player stands out for his physical imposition and ball delivery. No Botafogo, he accumulates high minutes in 2026.

Na Série This year, Barboza has participated in nine games as a starter so far, with one goal and two assists. Ele also performed in Copa Sudamericana’s matches. The performance keeps the defender as a reference in the black and white defense.

Palmeiras monitors other names in the market. The search for defenders takes into account the balance of the defense and the need for options for Abel Ferreira. Barboza represents a low-cost opportunity for next year.

Próximos steps in trading

Talks between Palmeiras and Barboza’s staff remain at an early stage. The focus remains on the possibility of a pre-contract for July. Verdão evaluates the complete scenario before making any definitions.

Botafogo remains attentive to the player’s situation. Qualquer change depends on the progress of the transfer window. The defender could still be a key player for the Rio team for the remainder of the season.

The football market in the middle of the year should bring more definitions about the future of Barboza. Palmeiras keeps its radar open for similar opportunities. The board prioritizes reinforcements that fit into long-term planning.