The average international transaction value of R$28 million was presented in the Brazilian Transfer Report; Flamengo and Cruzeiro lead investments
The average fixed cost of purchasing foreign players by Brazilian 1st division clubs rose from R$20.95 million in 2025 to R$28.85 million in 2026. The average increase of 37.7% in the unit value of transactions indicates a more selective market stance on the part of elite teams, which concentrated resources on signings with higher added value, even with a reduction in the total volume of purchases.
The assessment was released this Friday (May 15, 2026) by the (Brazilian Football Confederation) and the (National Football Regulation and Sustainability Agency). The data refers to the 1st transfer window of 2025 (Jan 3 to Feb 28) and 2026 (Jan 5 to Mar 3). They are part of the 1st Report of the 2026 Transfer Window. Here is the document (PDF – 108.2 MB).
The data shows that Series A concentrates 99.6% of all capital moved at fixed rates in the international market, which totals R$1.21 billion. Flamengo and Cruzeiro were the biggest buyers of the period. They recorded an increase in spending compared to the previous year.
Here are the 5 largest international fixed-cost acquisition transfers in 2026:
- Lucas Paquetá – from West Ham United (England) to ;
- Gerson Santos da Silva – from FC Zenit (Russia) to Cruzeiro;
- Jhon Adolfo Arias Andrade – from Wolverhampton Wanderers (England) to Palmeiras;
- Rodrigo Castillo – from Lanús (Argentina) to Fluminense;
- Alan Steve Minda Garcia – from Cercle Brugge (Belgium) to Atlético Mineiro.
REVENUE FROM FALLING SALES
Contrary to the appreciation of purchases, the average value received by Series A clubs when exporting athletes fell to R$18.60 million. There was a reduction compared to the R$20.77 million recorded in 2025.
In practice, Brazilian clubs received, on average, R$10 million less for each sale made. The result is a deficit of R$355.82 million in the elite’s trade balance.
DATA
The publication of the report marks a new phase in the management of sport in the country, says Anresf. The was installed in February 2026 as an independent body linked to the CBF to monitor compliance with the rules of Fair Play financial. The objective is to monitor the clubs’ financial health, prevent insolvency and require transparency in the recording of fixed and variable amounts and payment deadlines for each transfer.
The release of detailed financial data comes after a period of delays. At least 9 teams asked the agency to extend the deadlines for submitting reports, citing difficulties in gathering historical information and adapting to the new regulatory system. Initially scheduled for March, the final date was set on May 11 so that teams could report debts, credits and payments to athletes.
