Barboza reveals progress in negotiations and confirms agreement between Botafogo and Palmeiras

Defender Barboza has broken his silence regarding his possible departure from Botafogo. Após the black and white victory over Independiente Petrolero (3-0) this Tuesday, by Copa Sul-Americana, the Argentine defender confirmed that the clubs have already agreed on the transfer. The player, however, said that he has not yet personally worked out the details with Palmeiras.

“They have everything agreed with Palmeiras. Sou I haven’t agreed yet”, said Barboza in a press conference after the game. The defender’s comment shows that the negotiations have progressed, but the final adjustments between the athlete and the São Paulo board are missing before any officialization.

What Barboza said about trading

The defender explained the reasons that ruled out the renewal with Botafogo. Segundo he, the club and Palmeiras had agreed on the values ​​and deadlines, but their demands went beyond salary. Barboza asked for guarantees about the permanence of directors at Botafogo, which created an impasse with the black and white board.

“My idea was to renew the contract, but I needed other things, besides the salary. Não is easy now. Eu understood. That’s why I prefer to leave things like that”, declared the Argentine. The player also revealed that he asked his agent not to contact him during the match, as he needed to focus on his commitment to Sul-Americana.

Barboza did not rule out that the duel against Petrolero would be his last game as a black and white player. “Today, I don’t know if it was my last game. Tomara wasn’t. Porque would live another way”, he commented. The defender, however, highlighted that he has a contract until the end of the year and that football can change quickly.

Behind the scenes at the exit

Trading between Barboza and Botafogo began with a renewal attempt. The parties were discussing extending the contract until 2029. Porém, public statements by the defender’s manager displeased the black and white board, which began to consider the athlete’s possible departure.

Diante from the internal stalemate, Palmeiras entered the scene. The São Paulo club’s initial idea was to just sign a pre-contract with Barboza in the middle of the year, letting the player reach São Paulo only in 2027. With Cruzeiro’s harassment of Barboza, at the request of Artur Jorge (who trained the defender at Botafogo in 2024), Palmeiras accelerated the conversations and decided to close the deal now.

Palmeiras will pay US$4 million for the defender’s release. The parties are just waiting for the legal procedures to make the agreement official. Como the transfer window is closed, Barboza will only be able to act for Palmeiras after Copa of Mundo.

Leia Também

Pagonejo: Péricles and Ana Castela release single “Simplesmente Happen” which mixes pagode and country music

Espanyol faces crisis after 16 games without a win; crowd boos cast

Edér Militão undergoes surgery and misses Brazil in the 2026 World Cup

Histórico and player importance

Barboza arrived at Botafogo in early 2024 from Libertad (Paraguai). Desde then became a central figure in the black and white defense. The Argentine played 119 matches for the Rio club, scored four goals and won two highly relevant titles: the Conmebol Libertadores and the Campeonato Brasileiro, both in 2024.

The player built his story on Botafogo with prominence and recognition. “I know I’m in the club’s history, I’m here with a photo with two cups in my hands. Isso is not easy. Nem all players are champions”, stated Barboza in his post-game statements, highlighting the legacy achieved with the black and white mantle.

Promessa explanations

Caso his departure to Palmeiras or another club is confirmed, Barboza promised to speak openly about the reasons. The defender assured that he will ask Botafogo for a press conference to explain his decision in a transparent way.

“If I leave the club, I’ll say everything I have to say. Sou is a sincere guy, I’m not a liar. If someone likes it or not, that’s his problem. Isso is my characteristic”, added the defender.

Next week should be decisive for completing the deal. Botafogo continues in Copa Sul-Americana and in the fight for Campeonato Brasileiro, while awaiting the final proceedings between Barboza and Palmeiras.