O Atlético-MG is experiencing a moment of uncertainty regarding the future of one of its greatest recent idols. The club’s board of directors internally evaluates the possibility of terminating Hulk’s contractwhich runs until December 2026. The 39-year-old striker is going through the most irregular period since returning to Brazilian football in 2021, and has been a substitute in some matches under the command of Jorge Sampaoli.
According to information obtained by ESPN, the decision is still in the analysis phase and involves both technical and financial aspects. Hulk is the player with the highest salary in Cidade do Galo, and the athletic leadership understands that the departure of the number 7 could make room in the budget for reinforcements in 2026.
Sampaoli’s technical committee participates in the discussions and assesses whether the veteran’s stay makes sense for 2026, given the new sports planning. Despite this, Hulk himself does not consider leaving the club before the end of his contract.
– I have a contract and I intend to fulfill it. If the club doesn’t want to stay with me, let them come look for me and we’ll sit down and resolve it. But no one, at any time, looked for me – said the attacker in an interview with ESPN.
The situation unfolds as Atlético competes on two decisive fronts: the semi-final of the Copa Sudamericana and the final stretch of the Brazilian Championship. The board, however, plans to deal with the issue calmly and only define the player’s future after the end of the season.
An idol of the fans and a central player in the 2021 Brasileirão and Copa do Brasil titles, Hulk is going through a low phase. There are 16 goals in 48 matches this year – just four in the Brasileirão – and a streak of 13 games without scoring. The last time he scored was against Godoy Cruz, on August 14th.
Atlético-MG preferred not to officially comment on the possibility of termination and treats the matter as speculation.
Hulk receives a salary of R$1.8 million per month from Atlético.
Atlético-MG results
- 18/10 – Corinthians 1 x 0 Atlético-MG – Brasileirão
- 15/10 – Atlético-MG 1 x 1 Cruzeiro – Brasileirão
- 08/10 – Atlético Mineiro 3×1 Sport – Brasileirão
- 04/10 – Fluminense 3×0 Atlético Mineiro – Brasileirão
- 09/30 – Atlético Mineiro 0×0 Youth – Brasileirão
Atlético-MG’s next games
- 10/21 – 9:30 pm (Brasília time) – Del Valle × Atlético Mineiro – Sul-Americana (semi-final, first leg)
- 25/10 – 16:00 – Atlético Mineiro × Ceará – Brasileirão
- 28/10 – 21:30 – Atlético Mineiro × Del Valle – Sul-Americana (semi-final, second leg)
- 02/11 – 6:30 pm – Inter x Atlético-MG – Brasileirão
- 05/11 – 8pm – Atlético-MG x Bahia – Brasileirão
Atlético-MG classifications
- Sul-Americana: in the semi-finals
- Brazilian: 15th place (33 points in 28 games)
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