Palmeiras 2025: 5 Bold Moves for Their Ultimate Squad
Palmeiras enters a new era post-Endrick. We explore 5 bold but strategic moves for 2025 to build the ultimate squad and continue their dominance in Brazil.
Lucas Almeida
Brazilian football analyst specializing in tactical breakdowns and South American transfer markets.
The green and white confetti has barely settled from Palmeiras's latest triumphs, but in the world of elite football, standing still is moving backward. With the monumental departure of boy-wonder Endrick to Real Madrid, 2025 marks the dawn of a new era at the Allianz Parque. The foundation laid by Abel Ferreira is rock-solid, built on tactical discipline, relentless pressing, and a production line of world-class talent from the Academia de Futebol.
But to stay on the throne of Brazilian and South American football, evolution is not just an option; it's a necessity. Complacency is the silent killer of dynasties. While the current squad is formidable, key players are aging, and new challenges require fresh solutions. This isn't about a complete overhaul but a series of calculated, audacious moves to re-energize the squad and build a team capable of dominating for the next five years.
So, how does Palmeiras construct its ultimate squad for 2025? It requires a blend of savvy market moves, a courageous commitment to youth, and a clear vision for the future. Here are five bold moves that could ensure the Verdão's dynasty continues.
1. The Heir to the Throne: Securing a World-Class Goalkeeper
Let's start with the toughest conversation. Weverton is a living legend, a wall who has been instrumental in every major trophy under Abel. His leadership and shot-stopping are iconic. However, by 2025, he will be 37. While goalkeepers can have incredible longevity, planning for succession is a hallmark of a well-run club. The bold move isn't just finding a backup; it's signing a clear, undisputed heir who can challenge for the starting spot immediately.
The prime target? Bento from Athletico Paranaense. Already a part of the Brazilian national team setup, Bento combines breathtaking reflexes with the modern keeper's prerequisite: excellent distribution with his feet. He’s young, proven in the Brasileirão and Libertadores, and has the perfect temperament to handle the pressure at a club like Palmeiras. Making a move for him would be a statement of intent, securing the most important defensive position for the next decade.
Goalkeeper Succession Plan: A Comparison
| Attribute | Weverton (The Legend) | Bento (The Heir) |
|---|---|---|
| Age in 2025 | 37 | 25 |
| Key Strength | Experience, 1v1 shot-stopping | Reflexes, distribution, long-term potential |
| Transition | Provides veteran leadership during transition | Ready to start, can learn from one of the best |
It’s a move that requires delicacy but is ultimately necessary. Securing Bento would be the most proactive, forward-thinking defensive signing Palmeiras could make.
2. Raiding a Rival: The Hunt for a Midfield General
The sale of Danilo to Nottingham Forest proved that Palmeiras knows how to cash in on midfield talent. Aníbal Moreno has been a fantastic addition, but to truly dominate the center of the park, Palmeiras needs another dynamic, high-ceiling midfielder. The bold move? Look south and raid one of Argentina's giants for their crown jewel: Ezequiel "Equi" Fernández from Boca Juniors.
Equi is the quintessential modern deep-lying playmaker. He possesses relentless energy, a fantastic range of passing, and the grit required to win back possession—a non-negotiable in an Abel Ferreira system. Imagine a midfield trio of Aníbal Moreno providing the defensive shield, Zé Rafael as the box-to-box engine, and Equi Fernández dictating the tempo from deep. It’s a combination of steel, stamina, and style that would be the envy of the continent. Prying him away from La Bombonera would be difficult and expensive, but it's exactly the kind of ambitious move that separates champions from contenders.
3. Beyond Endrick: Signing a Marquee #9
This is the big one. How do you replace a phenomenon like Endrick? The answer is you don't—not with one player. However, you absolutely must address the gaping hole in goal production and star power. Rony is a force of nature and Flaco López has found his scoring touch, but Palmeiras needs a reliable, clinical, and high-profile striker to lead the line.
The bold move is to bring a top Brazilian talent back from Europe. The target: Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers. Cunha has everything: technical skill, physicality, a relentless work rate, and a proven eye for goal in the world's toughest league. He is a full Brazilian international who understands the demands of top-level football. A move for Cunha would be a massive statement, signaling that Palmeiras is not just a selling club but a destination for top Brazilian players in their prime. He would be the focal point of the attack, a player Dudu, Raphael Veiga, and the club's young wingers could play off of. It's an expensive dream, but one that would guarantee goals and excitement.
4. Revolutionizing the Flanks: The Modern Full-Back
Marcos Rocha has been a warrior for Palmeiras, but like Weverton, time is a factor. While Mayke is an excellent and versatile option, the right-back position needs a long-term, dynamic solution. In modern football, full-backs are often a team's primary playmakers, and Palmeiras should invest in a player who can dominate the entire right flank for years to come.
Enter Agustín Giay, the captain of Argentina's U-20 team and a standout for San Lorenzo. Giay is the complete package for a modern full-back: defensively solid, lightning-quick, and a genuine threat in the final third. He can cross, shoot, and has the engine to run the flank for 90 minutes. At just 21 in 2025, he represents a long-term investment who could partner with Joaquín Piquerez to give Palmeiras the most formidable full-back duo in South America. He has the potential to become the next great South American full-back to make his name in Brazil before a move to Europe, following in the footsteps of players like a young Dani Alves.
5. The Crias Factory: Promoting the Next Generation with Purpose
Perhaps the boldest move of all is one that doesn't involve the transfer market. It’s a philosophical commitment. Palmeiras's academy, the famed "Academia de Futebol," is a goldmine. The club has produced Endrick, Danilo, Gabriel Jesus, and more. But the next step is to not just sell these talents, but to make them the undisputed core of the first team.
In 2025, the bold move is to hand the keys to Estevão “Messinho” Willian and Luis Guilherme. This doesn't mean cameo appearances; it means making them regular starters. Estevão, with his mesmerizing dribbling and creative genius, should be the starting right winger. Luis Guilherme, with his power and versatility, should be a primary option in midfield or on the left. Trusting these teenagers with immense responsibility is a risk, but it’s a risk that has paid off for Palmeiras time and time again.
"The future of Palmeiras isn't just in signing checks; it's in trusting the DNA of our own academy. We have the next generation right here, and we must be brave enough to let them lead."
This move sends a powerful message to every young player in the academy: if you are good enough, you will play. It saves millions in transfer fees and reinforces the club's identity more than any signing ever could.
Conclusion: Building the Next Dynasty
Building the ultimate 2025 squad is a balancing act. It requires ambitious, high-profile signings like Matheus Cunha and Equi Fernández to inject immediate, world-class quality. It demands smart, strategic acquisitions like Bento and Agustín Giay to secure the future. And most importantly, it necessitates a deep, unwavering faith in the phenomenal talent emerging from its own academy.
By making these five bold moves, Palmeiras wouldn't just be replacing Endrick; they would be building a more complete, dynamic, and sustainable team. They would be laying the groundwork for not just one more title, but for the next great dynasty in Brazilian football. What moves do you think Palmeiras should make? Let us know in the comments!