Cruzeiro and Atlético-MG are competing for the same player as a reinforcement for the 2026 season. According to ESPN, the two Minas Gerais clubs sought information to evaluate the possibility of repatriating defender Lucas Veríssimo, 30, who plays for Al-Wakrah, from Qatar. The defender is on loan from Al-Duhail until the middle of the year.
Lucas Veríssimo’s contract with the Qatari club to which he belongs is valid until mid-2027. Despite welcoming a return to Brazilian football, the player has not yet received official offers.
In 2024, Al-Duhail disbursed 9 million euros (around R$48.4 million at the time) to acquire Veríssimo from Benfica. Currently, the defender’s salary is approximately R$2 million per month.
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Recent retrospective of Lucas Veríssimo
After standing out at Santos, where he gained national recognition and was called up to the Brazilian team, the defender experienced a period of ups and downs.
From 2021 onwards, Veríssimo started to play for Benfica, in Portugal. At the Portuguese club, he alternated moments of good performance with other less regular phases, which culminated in him leaving the main squad.
After a spell at Benfica, the defender returned to Brazil to play for Corinthians, where he had opportunities at first, but also faced periods of irregularity and difficulties in establishing an unquestionable starting role.
More recently, Veríssimo was signed by Al-Duhail, from Qatar, but was soon loaned to Al-Wakrah, where he played in the 2025/26 season.
Lucas Veríssimo’s numbers in Qatar
Al-Duhail
- 42 games
- 3 goals
- 1 assist
Al-Wakrah
Cruzeiro or Atlético: who will count on Lucas Veríssimo?
On the celestial side, interest exists, especially due to coach Tite’s admiration for the defender. Despite this, Cruzeiro’s board is cautious at the moment and has not yet made offers for Veríssimo.
The club’s main focus at the moment is the search for a young attacking midfielder, who can strengthen the squad in the medium and long term. The signing of a defender would only be on the agenda if it was considered a “market opportunity”.
On the other hand, Atlético-MG is also moving in the market for the 2026 season. The club has already announced the arrival of left-back Renan Lodi and has a deal underway with striker Alan Minda.
Galo also remains attentive to new opportunities, but has not yet made any proposal for Lucas Veríssimo official.
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