“Jogar no Palmeiras sempre, para mim, é um negócio muito importante, todo mundo sabe que eu gosto, mas existem coisas contratuais, a gente vai ver só no final do ano mesmo,” Raphael Veiga told UOL during a paddock visit at the São Paulo Grand Prix.
The midfielder addressed his contractual situation and potential return to Palmeiras while attending the Formula 1 event at Autódromo de Interlagos on Sunday, November 8. Currently under contract with Mexican club América until December 31, 2026, Veiga explained that discussions regarding a permanent move back to Brazil remain on hold until the current season concludes.
Veiga is currently in Brazil to undergo rehabilitation following a left shoulder dislocation that required surgery. According to LANCE!, the player has been carrying out his recovery regimen at Palmeiras’ Nucleus of Health and Performance. Band reported that the midfielder plans to return to Mexico for the final stretch of their domestic campaign once his treatment in São Paulo progresses.
Reflecting on his physical condition at Interlagos, Veiga stated to LANCE! that he feels well and continues to improve daily. Before sustaining the shoulder injury, the midfielder recorded 35 appearances, five goals, and eight assists for América across all competitions.
América holds a purchase option in the loan agreement, but the club’s president, Santiago Baños, indicated in an interview with TUDN reported by Portal ABC do ABC that a permanent transfer is unlikely due to high acquisition costs and wage impact. Activating the buyout clause would require a fee of approximately R$ 33 million, complicating the Mexican side’s plans to retain the player.
Gazeta Esportiva noted that Veiga’s existing contract with Palmeiras runs through December 2028, having been extended prior to his departure for Mexico. During his initial highly successful tenure with the Verdão following his arrival in 2017, Veiga made 384 appearances, scored 109 goals, and captured 11 major titles, including two Copa Libertadores trophies and two Campeonato Brasileiro titles.
Beyond addressing his club future, Veiga spent his Sunday morning touring the paddock and visiting the McLaren garage, expressing support for Lando Norris. LANCE! reported that the midfielder intended to leave Interlagos promptly to watch the second leg of the Copa Brasileiro semifinal between Palmeiras and Vasco from home.
Entering the fixture with a 1-0 aggregate advantage from the first leg, Veiga offered a brief, confident “Tô” when asked by Gazeta Esportiva about the team’s prospects.
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