5 days ago
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Six months before the kickoff of the World Cup, which will be held in June/July in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, the January transfer window, usually lukewarm in Europe, is heating up for Brazilians.
The reason is clear: those not yet secured on Carlo Ancelotti's list are seeking more playing time to prove themselves and secure a spot on the Brazilian National Team coach's list.
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🔄 Who is changing scenery?
Endrick (Real Madrid ➡️ Lyon): With little room under Xabi Alonso's command (only 3 games this season), the 19-year-old was loaned to the French club. After a frank conversation with Ancelotti, Endrick understood that he needs to play regularly to have a chance to go to his first World Cup.
Thiago Silva (Fluminense ➡️ Porto): The 41-year-old veteran surprised by leaving the Tricolor. The main reason is family (his children play in Chelsea's youth teams, and Portugal is closer to London), but he still believes that playing at a high level in Europe can earn him a spot for his 5th World Cup.
Gerson (Zenit ➡️ Brazil?): After disappearing from the National Team's radar playing in Russia (banned from European competitions), the "Joker" is negotiating his return to Brazil. Cruzeiro is the likely destination to try to put him back in Ancelotti's spotlight.
🔥 Other moves
Bento (Al-Nassr): The goalkeeper is targeted by Grêmio and European clubs (West Ham and Genoa). He knows he needs to be in a more competitive league to secure his spot among the three goalkeepers.
Beraldo (PSG): Little used in France, the defender is on the radar of Fenerbahçe, Turkey, but Palmeiras is also monitoring the defender's situation.
👑 Neymar's Case
Unlike the others, Neymar opted for stability. He renewed with Santos until the end of 2026, betting that physical recovery and prominence in Brazil (with the start of the Brasileirão brought forward to January) are the best paths to arrive well at the World Cup.
With only one FIFA Date remaining (friendlies against France and Croatia in March) before the final list, the star has no more room for injuries.
👀 'Ignored' Sensation
At 24 years old, Igor Thiago, Brentford's striker, is the second top scorer in the Premier League with 16 goals, behind only Erling Haaland, who has 20.
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With this mark, the Cruzeiro academy product has already made his name in English history by becoming the Brazilian with the most goals in a single Premier League season, surpassing players like Gabriel Jesus, Roberto Firmino, and Richarlison.
The chance in the National Team, however, has not yet come, although many fans are calling for his call-up.
🙏 Jesus is back
Arsenal thrashed Aston Villa 4-1 in the last Premier League round, a result that kept the team at the top of the competition.
One of the goals was scored by former Palmeiras player, Gabriel Jesus, who hadn't found the net for almost a year.
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It was 362 days of drought until he finally ran to celebrate.
Context
The strategy of changing clubs on the eve of the World Cup is risky but common. In 2022, six potential call-ups (including Casemiro and Gabriel Jesus) switched teams in the World Cup year.
In 2018, Philippe Coutinho was the only one to make this move in the European winter window.
Which of these players do you think is making the most accurate decision to secure their spot in the World Cup?
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
📸 MIGUEL SCHINCARIOL - AFP or licensors
English (US) ·