Atlético-MG awaits a response from striker Hulk to define the next steps in negotiations with the 39-year-old player. After offering a special project for the club’s idol, the SAF leadership and football board await a response this Tuesday (6). It is worth remembering that he has an official proposal from Fluminense and gave the staff approval to settle the bases with Tricolor.
After two meetings, considered positive on Alvinegro’s side, the man from Paraíba has not yet spoken out and has not approached Galo for a third meeting. It was supposed to happen this Monday (5), but was canceled by number 7.
As found out by the ItatiaiaAtlético-MG proposed the attacker renew his contract until the end of 2027, without the need for the so-called “trigger clause”. In it, the contract would be automatically extended if Hulk played a stipulated number of matches this season.
The big barrier that currently separates club and player is the salary reduction for the second year. With salaries exceeding R$2.5 million, he would receive 30% less of this amount. However, in order not to harm him financially, a special compensation plan was set up which, according to a source from Alvinegro, would be much more advantageous for the athlete.
Projects presented by Atlético to Hulk:
- Special space in the club’s museum, which is under construction at Arena MRV;
- Construction of a statue that would also be prominent in the stadium;
- Development of a documentary, inspired by the work “The Last Dance”, which tells the story of the American star Michael Jordan;
- Future participation in SAF shares: the business model would be similar to that offered to the Englishman David Beckham (co-owner of Inter Miami, from the United States), the Argentinean Lionel Messi (Inter Miami athlete) and the Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo (investments in stakes in Al-Nassr, from Saudi Arabia);
- Creation of a company (joint venture) to take care of the “Hulk” brand for ten years. In it, 50% of the participation would be from the player and the other half from the club;
Retire Hulk early?
Another point that the club states is that at no point did it want to accelerate the striker’s retirement process, who turns 40 in July. The contract until the end of 2027 for the football board is proof of this. According to a source, this was also made clear to number 7 during the two meetings; the first last Sunday (4), and the other on the afternoon of this Monday (5).
Hulk’s dissatisfactions
Also, as found by the ItatiaiaHulk was very open to dialogue and at no point did he appear irreducible in meetings. He asked questions (sports, financial, etc.), detailed some dissatisfactions, expectations for his career and also listened to the club’s side.
It’s worth remembering that the player’s dissatisfaction with coach Sampaoli is no secret; Last year, he went to the microphone to complain about the way he played and that he didn’t fit into the model requested by the Argentine. Behind the scenes there is also talk of differences with Paulo Bracks, Atlético’s CSO.
Departure for Fluminense
If Hulk’s decision is to leave, Fluminense should be the striker’s destination. However, as he has a contract with Atlético until the end of 2026, the Rio club will have to pay to have him. According to information, the Minas Gerais club is unlikely to give up compensation for the hammer blow. However, at this moment, the expectation is still for a “happy ending”, with the Paraíba native remaining in Cidade do Galo.
Hulk for Atlético-MG
Hulk arrived at Atlético-MG in 2021 and quickly became a fan idol. With the club, he won the titles of the Brazilian Championship (2021), the Copa do Brasil (2021), the Supercopa do Brasil (2022) and the Campeonato Mineiro (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025).
The striker is also in the Top 10 of Atlético’s top scorers – he is eighth, with 135 goals in 289 matches played.
Last season, there were 61 matches with the black and white shirt, 21 goals scored and eight assists.
