Bahia announces departure of goalkeeper Adriel and three other players from the squad

End of cycle for four players from Bahia’s current squad. This Thursday (12), the tricolor announced the departures of goalkeeper Adriel, right-back Cicinho, defender Víctor Cuesta and midfielder Carlos de Pena.

The four players are at the end of their contracts and will not have their contracts renewed for next year. Cuesta, had already announced his departure through social media.

Of the quartet, the most emblematic case is that of goalkeeper Adriel. He arrived at Tricolor in July last year, on loan from Grêmio. The player was treated like a jewel by the Squadron, who considered exercising the purchase option.

Adriel started the season as Bahia’s starting goalkeeper in the Campeonato Baiano, but was the target of criticism in the few games he played. In the final stretch of the Brasileirão, he received chances again, during Marcos Felipe’s oscillation phase, but he made mistakes and the sequence between the starters lasted just four games.

Given this scenario, the blue, red and white board chose not to make the investment and returned the goalkeeper to Grêmio. The Bahian club is in the market looking for a new player for the position.

Right-back Cicinho leaves the tricolor after two seasons. He was signed last year, after playing for Ludogorets, from Bulgaria, for eight years in a row. The player was one of Bahia’s first acquisitions in the ‘City Era’, but he experienced ups and downs.

Carlos de Pena and Cuesta were signed by the Squadron in the current season. The Argentine defender arrived at the club with starting status after a good season with Botafogo and formed a pair with Kanu in the first quarter, but lost space during the Brasileirão and in the final stretch he became the fourth option in the sector.

De Pena, on the other hand, played an important role in Bahia’s campaign in the Brasileirão. The Uruguayan played for Tricolor in 37 games, scored one goal and provided four assists this season.

During the first round of Série A, he was a sort of 12th player for Rogério Ceni. The midfielder, however, dropped in production in the second half of the tournament. On social media, De Pena said goodbye to the Bahian club.

“It’s time to say goodbye to Bahia. I want to thank everyone at the club, every employee and especially my teammates who made my day to day easier. Thank you from the bottom of my heart also to the wonderful fans who supported me at all times! I’m happy because the goal was achieved. I always wish the club the best in the future and I’m very grateful to have played for this giant club.

Two other players are at the end of their contract with Bahia, but should remain in the Esquadrão. They are: goalkeeper Danilo Fernandes and midfielder Acevedo.

Danilo is highly rated internally and was a starter in the match that guaranteed qualification for the Libertadores. After the 2-0 victory over Atlético-GO, he publicly asked to remain at the club.

Midfielder Acevedo returned to playing after ten months recovering from knee surgery and also enjoys prestige with Bahia’s coaching staff and management. He belongs to New York City, a City Group club in the United States, and his stay depends on negotiations with the Americans.