Andreas Pereira leaves Fulham and will sign with Palmeiras until 2028 for R$63 million

Palmeiras finalizes the signing of Andreas Pereira for 10 million euros (R$63 million), half the amount offered in January, in a swift deal with Fulham. The 29-year-old midfielder, returning to Brazil after a stint in European football, will sign until 2028 to replace Richard Ríos, sold to Benfica. The deal, concluded on August 27, 2025, in São Paulo, comes just before the Brazilian transfer window closes on September 2. The agreement, driven by the player’s willingness and his contractual situation at the English club, reflects Palmeiras’ aggressive market strategy to strengthen the squad for the Brasileirão and Libertadores.

The deal, finalized quickly, ends a saga that began in December 2024, when Palmeiras offered 20 million euros (R$126 million) without success. Andreas, then a regular at Fulham, chose to stay in the Premier League. Now, with less playing time and a contract nearing its end, the scenario changed, enabling the transfer.

• Player’s motivation: Seeking prominence and a spot in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad.
• Fulham’s context: Andreas lost his place and was not included in recent matches.
• Palmeiras’ strategy: Investing in high-profile names for national and international competitions.

The signing reflects Palmeiras’ persistence, led by Leila Pereira, in reinforcing the squad with technically gifted and internationally experienced players.

Deal details

Andreas Pereira’s signing for 10 million euros, half the initial offer, was made possible by changes in his situation at Fulham. In January, the English club rejected a 20-million-euro bid, viewing the midfielder as key to their Europa League campaign. By August 2025, with his contract nearing its end (June 2026) and no renewal agreed, Fulham opted to negotiate to avoid losing him for free. The payment will be spread over three years, a model that facilitated the agreement.

Palmeiras, aware of the September 2 transfer window deadline, acted swiftly. Contracts were exchanged digitally, and the player is expected in São Paulo this week for medicals and signing. The deal, with a contract until 2028, showcases the club’s ability to secure cost-effective, high-quality signings.

• Reduced value: From 20 million euros in January to 10 million in August.
• Long-term contract: Deal until 2028 ensures stability for player and club.
• Window urgency: Deal finalized days before the transfer window closes.

The move underscores the efficiency of Leila Pereira’s management, which has invested around R$200 million in signings in 2025, including players like Paulinho and Facundo Torres.

Andreas Pereira’s background

Andreas Pereira, born in Belgium and naturalized Brazilian, has a career marked by stints at major European and Brazilian clubs. Developed in Manchester United’s youth academy, he debuted for the senior team in 2014 but had limited opportunities, leading to loans at Granada, Valencia, and Lazio. In 2021, he played for Flamengo, appearing in 37 matches, scoring five goals, and providing eight assists, though he was marked by a mistake in the Libertadores final against Palmeiras, which led to their title-winning goal.

At Fulham since 2022, Andreas established himself as a regular, with 101 matches, 10 goals, and 15 assists by August 2025. His versatility, playing as a deep-lying midfielder or attacking midfielder, and set-piece quality make him an ideal fit for Abel Ferreira’s tactics. His recent lack of minutes at Fulham, including missing games like against Manchester United, hastened his decision to return to Brazil.

Impact on Palmeiras

Andreas Pereira’s arrival strengthens Palmeiras’ midfield, which sought a high-caliber replacement for Richard Ríos. The 29-year-old brings international experience and the ability to play multiple roles, offering tactical flexibility to coach Abel Ferreira. His signing is seen as strategic for competitions like the Brasileirão and Libertadores, where Palmeiras aims for prominence.

The midfielder also joins with the goal of securing a spot in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad. His experience in friendlies and Brazil’s youth teams, combined with a desire for greater visibility in Brazilian football, was a key factor in accepting Palmeiras’ offer.

• Tactical versatility: Can play as a holding midfielder, playmaker, or in attacking roles.
• International experience: Stints at Manchester United, Lazio, and Fulham.
• National team goal: Aiming for a spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad.

Palmeiras fans, excited about the signing, are vocal on social media, though some recall Andreas’ error in the 2021 Libertadores. The chance for redemption in Brazil is an added motivator for the player.

Palmeiras’ market strategy

Andreas Pereira’s signing reflects Palmeiras’ aggressive transfer market approach. Under Leila Pereira’s leadership, the club has invested heavily in 2025, with signings like Vitor Roque (R$155 million), Paulinho (R$115 million), and Ramón Sosa (R$90 million). Richard Ríos’ sale to Benfica created financial and tactical space for a creative midfielder, and Andreas was chosen for his familiarity with Brazilian football and experience in competitive leagues.

The club also considered alternatives like Mathías Villasanti from Grêmio and Lucas Evangelista from RB Bragantino but prioritized Andreas for his international profile and quick adaptation. The ability to halve the transfer fee from 20 to 10 million euros highlights the club’s negotiation efficiency, balancing investment with fiscal responsibility.

Reactions and expectations

The signing of Andreas Pereira has sparked significant buzz among fans and analysts. On social media, Palmeiras supporters celebrate the arrival of a Premier League-experienced player, while some note the irony of signing a former Flamengo player, a historic rival. Expectations are high that Andreas will bring technical quality and leadership to the midfield, helping Palmeiras stay competitive in the Brasileirão, where they trail leaders Flamengo.

At Fulham, Andreas’ departure is seen as a pragmatic move, as the club looks for a replacement to avoid bigger losses with a potential free exit in 2026. The English fanbase, while acknowledging his importance, understands the contract situation limited the club’s options.

• Fan reaction: Mix of excitement and caution, with references to his Flamengo stint.
• Fulham’s perspective: Sale avoids losing the player for free in 2026.
• Immediate impact: Andreas is expected to debut soon after registration in Brazil.

The signing reinforces Palmeiras’ ambition to solidify its status as a South American football powerhouse, with a squad capable of competing at a high level across multiple fronts.