Palmeiras made the signing of Argentine defender Alexander Barboza official this Friday. The 31-year-old player, who leaves Botafogo, signed a contract until December 2028 with Alviverde. The left-handed defender will be an important reinforcement for the remainder of the season.
The negotiation between the clubs involved US$4 million, approximately R$20 million at the current price. Botafogo will receive the amount in four installments. Barboza leaves General Severiano after being one of the key players in the victorious 2024 campaign.
Quando Alexander Barboza could debut
Alexander Barboza’s debut on Palmeiras will only take place from July 20th. Nessa date opens the Brazilian football transfer window, shortly after the calendar resumes post-Mundo Cup. Até there, the defender will prepare with the alviverde squad to adapt to the new technical project.
Trajetória and technical characteristics
Alexander Barboza was revealed in the River Plate youth categories. Construiu solid career at América of Sul with stints at Atlético Rafaela, Defensa and Justicia, Independiente and Libertad before reaching Botafogo. Suas’s main qualities include strong physical imposition and excellent performance in aerial games, both defensively and in attack.
Dados and Flashscore indicate an average rating of 7.7 for the defender in the current Copa Sul-Americana and 7.0 in the Série A 2026. Esses numbers reflect technical consistency in important competitions. No Botafogo, accumulated 26 matches this season with outstanding performance.
Reencontro with Marlon Freitas
No Allianz Parque, Barboza will find the Marlon Freitas steering wheel again. The two were pillars of Botafogo’s defensive system during the historic 2024 season. Juntos, won the titles from Campeonato Brasileiro and Copa Libertadores, forming a duo with great rapport.
- Passagens of the defender: River Plate, Atlético Rafaela, Defensa and Justicia, Independiente, Libertad and Botafogo
- Contrato: until December 2028
- Transfer Valor: US$4 million in four installments
- Estreia expected: from July 20th
- Títulos won with Botafogo: Campeonato Brasileiro 2024 and Copa Libertadores 2024
Despedida on social media
Barboza used his social media to officially say goodbye to Botafogo. The publication occurred two days after the defender played in the 3-0 victory over Independiente Petrolero, for Copa Sul-Americana. The message marked the end of an important cycle in the Argentine’s career.
The defender arrives at Palmeiras at a strategic moment for the club, reinforcing the defensive department with international experience and recent titles. Sua’s arrival consolidates the alviverde project for the coming seasons.