In the search for names for the offensive sector, Palmeiras announced, this Thursday (19/12), the signing of striker Paulinho, from Atlético-MG. According to the website “ge.com”, Alviverde will pay 18 million euros (around R$117 million) and transfer two athletes permanently to Atlético. Galo has already accepted the value and format of the deal.
However, Paulinho will not play immediately for Palmeiras. The athlete underwent surgery on his right leg on December 4th. THE Sporting News details the procedure and estimated recovery time.
MORE: Who did Palmeiras hire for 2025?
How long will Paulinho be without playing?
Striker Paulinho was subjected to a surgery to treat a stress fracture in the tibia of the right leg. The procedure took place on December 4th, at Materdei hospital, in Belo Horizonte (MG), and was successful.
The surgery took place four days after taking the field in the Libertadores final, when Atlético lost to Botafogo 3-1.
MORE: What did Gabriel Jesus say about a possible return to Palmeiras?
The bone crack happened in March. However, in order not to be sidelined, Paulinho chose to undergo infiltration, which made the problem worse. According to the athlete himself, since July he has been working with the help of injections. He ended the season with 59 appearances, with 19 goals and four assists.
Due to the surgery, the attacker has undergone intensive treatment and has not gone on vacation. Paulinho’s recovery is estimated to take between four and six months.
Behind the scenes, Palmeiras assesses that the surgery will not bring future limitations to the player.
MORE: What’s left for Palmeiras to announce Facundo Torres?
What did Paulinho say about the injury?
On December 3, Paulinho wrote about the injury on social media:
“In March I took a natural blow during the game and training. I felt normal pain for an athlete, without any severity and which did not prevent me from playing or carrying out any other physical activity.
With too many games, the effort and impacts of the matches caused the injury to evolve into bone edema and, at the end of July, the pain intensified, I started playing with analgesia (injection).
The club was in a good moment in the World Cups, it also suffered from many absences due to the Copa América calendar and with several athletes in the medical department.
I had a meeting with the medical department, the commission and the board and we decided to opt for conservative treatment, minimizing impacts and prioritizing my participation in the Brazilian and Libertadores Cup games, and that was done.
Even with the adverse scenario, we reached two finals and I was able to be Galo’s top scorer in the Libertadores and second top scorer in the tournament with seven goals, with the help of my teammates.
Choices need to be made and we made ours, getting here with the help and strength of all club professionals, family and friends.
During the entire process we made one more decision, not to take a vacation.
I am preparing to undergo surgery in the next few days and I will be focusing on my recovery throughout this period and returning as soon as possible.
Galo never lacked dedication and dedication. And it will never be missing! The truth always prevails!”
What will the purchase of Paulinho be like for Palmeiras?
Palmeiras will pay 18 million euros (around R$117 million) and give two athletes to Atlético.
The names on the table are midfielder Gabriel Menino, who sees the transfer favorably and talks are evolving, and midfielder Patrick, from the under-20s, who has practically agreed with Galo.
Who is Patrick, who can be used in Paulinho’s negotiation?
At 20 years old, Patrick has not yet made his professional debut. He was Verdão’s hero in the 2023 Copinha, scoring the title goal. Currently, there is a fine set at 100 million euros (R$537 million) for abroad.
Born in Minas Gerais, he received an opportunity to play for Flamengo, but was released. He played for teams like Volta Redonda-RJ, Cruzeiro and, finally, Ferroviária. In Araraquara, he stood out in campaigns such as Paulistão under-17 in 2021 and the Copinha in 2022, which caught the attention of Palmeiras.
In 2022, he was hired by Palmeiras, with an agreement until August 2026. With Alviverde, he achieved important achievements. Among them, the 2022 under-20 Brasileirão, the 2022 under-20 Copa do Brasil and the 2023 Copinha.
When is Palmeiras’ next game?
Palmeiras’ next game will be on January 15th, against Portuguesa. The match marks Verdão’s debut in the Campeonato Paulista. The time has not yet been announced. Palmeiras will be the home team in the duel.
