Persebaya Surabaya: 9 Pemain Terancam Pergi Gratis, Bruno Moreira Disorot Bonek!

SURABAYA, Indonesia – Persebaya Surabaya is confronting a potentially significant roster overhaul as nine players approach the end of their contracts, raising concerns among supporters about the club’s future. The situation is further complicated by growing criticism of captain Bruno Moreira following a heavy defeat, signaling a possible shift in personnel for the 2026/2027 season.

Persebaya Surabaya, currently 5th in the BRI Super League, must act swiftly to secure key players, with six regularly featuring in the starting lineup during the second half of the season. The expiring contracts create a risk of losing valuable assets for free, potentially hindering the club’s ambitions. This comes after a challenging period, including a recent 5-1 loss to Borneo FC on March 9, 2026, which has intensified scrutiny of the team’s performance.

The most pressing concern for Bonek – Persebaya’s passionate fanbase – centers around the form of Bruno Moreira. The Brazilian captain has faced a barrage of criticism on social media following the defeat to Borneo FC, with supporters questioning his consistency and leadership. The loss at Segiri Stadium exposed vulnerabilities in Persebaya’s squad, and Moreira, as captain, has become a focal point for frustration.

The list of players whose contracts expire at the end of the 2025/2026 season includes:

1. Francisco Rivera: May 31, 2026
2. Bruno Moreira: April 30, 2026
3. Ernando Ari: May 31, 2026
4. Andhika Ramadhani: June 30, 2026
5. Bruno Paraiba: End of 2025/2026 season
6. Leo Lelis: End of 2025/2026 season
7. Risto Mitrevski: End of 2025/2026 season
8. Pedro Matos: End of 2025/2026 season
9. Riyan Ardiansyah: Loan (end of 2025/2026 season).

The expiring contracts of Ernando Ari and another goalkeeper add further complexity, potentially forcing Persebaya to address a critical position ahead of next season. Goalkeeping depth is often a key factor in a team’s success, and losing both first-choice and backup options would represent a significant setback.

Social media is ablaze with calls for change, with fans directly addressing Moreira. Posts circulating online, translated from Indonesian, express disappointment with his recent performances and question his suitability as captain. One user wrote, “Bruno doesn’t feel comfortable with number 10. Try giving it back to number 99,” while another stated, “Bruno, what’s wrong with you…are you okay bro? Why does your play feel so unenthusiastic lately?” Several fans have even suggested stripping Moreira of the captaincy.

The situation at Persebaya reflects a broader trend in Indonesian football, where player contracts often expire at the end of the season, leading to a period of intense negotiation and potential player movement. The club’s management, led by President Azrul Ananda and Head Coach Bernardo Tavares, will need to navigate these challenges carefully to maintain a competitive squad.

Persebaya’s next challenge comes on April 4, 2026, with a home match against Persita Tangerang at Gelora Bung Tomo. This match represents an opportunity for the team to rebound from the recent defeat and demonstrate their resilience. The game kicks off at 7:00 PM local time (11:00 AM UTC).

The club’s future success hinges on its ability to retain key players, address the concerns of the Bonek faithful, and build a cohesive team capable of competing at the highest level of Indonesian football. The coming months will be crucial in determining the direction of Persebaya Surabaya.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Persebaya’s management to observe how they respond to the expiring contracts and the growing discontent among supporters. The decisions made in the coming weeks will undoubtedly shape the club’s fortunes for years to come.

Persebaya Surabaya’s 2025-2026 season is the club’s 98th in existence and its eighth consecutive season in the top flight. The club is owned by Koperasi Surya Abadi Persebaya (30%) and PT DBL Indonesia (70%).

What do you reckon? Will Persebaya Surabaya be able to retain its key players and address the concerns of its fans? Share your thoughts in the comments below.