Athletico Paranaense is gearing up for the 2025 season with significant changes, including the arrival of Colombian right-back Hayen Palacios and the hiring of new head coach Maurício Barbieri. The club, based in Curitiba, is actively working to revitalize its squad and return to its historically aggressive playing style.
Palacios, 25, recently passed medical exams and is expected to finalize his contract with the club shortly. He joins Athletico from Fortaleza, where he had notable success, completing 41 games during the 2024 season and earning recognition for his offensive contributions and speed. Known for his ability to support attacks actively, Palacios finished the Colombian Championship as one of the leaders for shots taken within the box, showcasing his potential to fortify the defensive line and contribute to offensive plays.
Barbieri, who takes the helm following the departure of former director Paulo Autuori, is focused on reinstilling the intensity and vertical playing style synonymous with Athletico's legacy. "I seek to always make my teams protagonists of the game, to have initiative and to pursue the opponent's goal. It's important to rescue the culture of playing with intensity and verticality, which have always been important marks of this club," Barbieri shared.
His commitment to fostering attacking football aims not only for improved performance on the pitch but also to strengthen ties with the enthusiastic Athletico fanbase. The team's dedication to reviving its competitive edge signals the club's ambitions for the coming season.
With the pre-season set to begin on December 26, 2024, Athletico is not stopping at the signing of Palacios. The club is also close to confirming the acquisition of striker Luiz Fernando, who previously played for Atlético-GO, and is reportedly eyeing more players, such as defensive midfielder Raul from Bragantino.
Palacios’ previous stints, including his time with several Colombian clubs such as Envigado, Rionegro Aguilas, and Atlético Nacional, have equipped him with the necessary experience to excel at Athletico. His performances have often been characterized by offensive dynamism, making him a pivotal asset for the club's ambitions to contend for titles next year.
Preparing rigorously for the opener of the Campeonato Paranaense against Paraná Clube on January 14, 2025, expectations are high for the new coach and his fresh lineup. Barbieri’s strategic implementation of offensive play aligns with Athletico's historical precedence of pushing the offensive line, something he aims to restore, evidenced by his focus on engaging ten players actively during games.
The 2025 season is positioned as not merely another opportunity for competition but as pivotal for molding Athletico’s identity moving forward. Barbieri’s vision and renewed squad promise to bring back the intensity and results desired by both the management and the fans.
Within this transfer window, Athletico’s commitment to reinforcements reflects its determination not only to compete but to establish itself firmly as a dominant force within Brazilian football. It remains to be seen how successfully these changes will culminate on match day, but the groundwork laid promises potential excitement for the fans.
