Yesterday, CONMEBOL performed the group-of-16 Libertadores Cup draw. Palmeiras will battle Paraguayan Cerro Porteño for a spot in the quarterfinals, where either Colo-Colo from Chile or Corinthians from Mordor await. Below, the full table.
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Palmeiras have accepted a €4 million offer from Porto for right-defender João Pedro. The 21-year-old passed through all of Palmeiras’ youth divisions and has a promising future. Making his professional debut at Palmeiras in 2014, he spent last year on loan at Chapecoense and, this year, at Bahia. Best of luck, João Pedro!
Speaking of youth divisions, Palmeiras have reached the finals of the U17 Club World Cup, taking place in Spain. The final is tomorrow Wednesday, against Real Madrid – a re-edition of the 2016 final that saw Palmeiras finish as runners-up after 2-2 at full time and penalties.
Last weekend against São Paulo, both Diogo Barbosa and Keno were taken off the pitch with muscular discomfort. Both have initiated treatment and are expected back only after the World Cup break. Vitor Luis steps in for Diogo. Keno is harder to replace; no current player has his characteristics. In any case, his absence further increases Hyoran’s chances of being a starter in the three last rounds before the break.
Club president Galiotte the other day confirmed Palmeiras have been receiving a number of offers for key players in the squad. Including for Keno (€8 million), reportedly turned down. Galiotte wishes to keep the squad intact for the remainder of the season but is ready to negotiate if “an irresistible offer” lands on his desk. Of course, the above does not apply to Palmeiras players on loan to other clubs: offers for Roger Guedes, currently at Atlético Mineiro, are expected to pop in, in particular from Arab countries. Stay tuned.
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ANYTHING PALMEIRAS 