Palmeiras is paying attention to the national market and has targeted Marlon Freitas, midfielder and captain of Botafogo. The club led by Abel Ferreira has already started exploratory contacts with a view to a possible signing for next season, although there is still no formal proposal, reports the GE.
Marlon Freitas has a contract with Botafogo until December 2026 and talks for a possible renewal were only expected to start in January. However, Palmeiras’ interest, expressed last Wednesday, anticipated the moves. The values on the table for a possible transfer are around five million euros, although, for now, everything is at a preliminary stage.
On the Botafogo side, coached by former FC Porto Martín Anselmi, the position is clear: the club does not intend to negotiate its captain. An exit will only be considered if it comes from an express desire of the player himself, something that, so far, has not happened. If conversations evolve into an official proposal, this should only happen after the Christmas period.
Palmeiras’ need is related to the imminent departure of Aníbal Moreno to River Plate. The management of the São Paulo club is looking for an experienced midfielder, with the status to immediately take over as a starter, a profile that fits Marlon Freitas.
A central figure at Botafogo, Marlon Freitas became one of the club’s greatest idols after winning the Libertadores and Brasileirão in 2024, with Artur Jorge at the helm. Playing for the Rio de Janeiro emblem, he played 186 games, with five goals and 18 assists.
