This offseason, the Athletico-PR football club is undergoing significant changes, with several key players set to leave as they look toward the 2025 season. The fallout from the team’s relegation to Serie B has prompted major decisions concerning player contracts and future club strategy.
Among the most notable departures is veteran midfielder Fernandinho, who returned to the club after a successful career abroad but now finds himself without a renewed contract as it concludes at the end of December. Fernandinho, regarded as one of the team's leaders, has been awaiting communication from the club about potential renewal talks, but none have materialized, according to reports from the Brazilian media.
Also departing is Pablo, the forward who previously accepted salary adjustments to remain with the team. Despite these efforts, he was unexpectedly released from training shortly after rejoining the squad. Club president Mario Celso Petraglia made the decision to alter the team’s roster direction, leaving Pablo’s future uncertain as he continues to be under contract until 2025.
Defender Thiago Heleno, another key figure, also faces potential exit from the club. A veteran of nine seasons, he did not accept the pay cut proposed by the management, leading to his exclusion from initial training sessions and creating questions about his future with the organization.
The upcoming changes coincide with broader difficulties; Athletico-PR is adjusting to its new reality after being relegated from the top tier of Brazilian football. Following the 2024 season, fans have reacted to the club’s decisions with concern, particularly over losing several long-serving players who have contributed significantly to the team’s identity.
Nikão, who was on loan from São Paulo, is also expected to depart, as his rental agreement has concluded without reaching financial consensus on his return. These departures indicate not only player dissatisfaction but also operational shifts aimed at rebuilding the squad for the impending challenges of the 2025 season.
Fernandinho, who has had a storied career featuring stints with Shakhtar Donetsk and Manchester City, rejoined Athletico-PR expecting to contribute significantly. His return was celebrated by fans, especially after playing an integral role during the Copa Libertadores run. Yet, following relegation, the club seems poised to focus on younger talent and fresh directions.
The decisions made by the club's management have not gone unnoticed. Reports suggest strong feelings among fans about the loss of such pivotal figures, which may impact the team’s chemistry moving forward. Under Petraglia’s leadership, there is clear intention to revamp the roster, but how this will manifest on the pitch remains to be seen.
While the departures of these iconic players signal the end of significant eras for Athletico-PR, it also brings fresh opportunities for new talent. Recently acquired players, including Luiz Fernando and Raul, demonstrate the club's intention to build anew, potentially drawing on their experiences from past failures to inform a stronger future. The focus on recruiting fresh talent may reinvigorate the team and boost fan morale.
The coming weeks will be pivotal as the club approaches its Paranaense debut against Paraná Clube on January 11. The absence of established players could affect the team's performance, but this also opens doors for younger athletes to step up and make their mark.
Officials at Athletico-PR appear committed to moving past the disappointments of this season, emphasizing the necessity of adapting to their newly defined league status. How they navigate this transition will be watched closely by fans and analysts alike, as the rebuilding process continues amid the departure of some of the club's most beloved figures.
Fans, who have witnessed these players grow and succeed on the field, now face the reality of change. The departures of Fernandinho, Pablo, Thiago Heleno, and Nikão mark not just the end of their individual journeys with Athletico-PR but also signal the commencement of new chapters as the team prepares for the uncertainties of Serie B football.
With heartfelt farewells and new beginnings on the horizon, Athletico-PR stands at the precipice of transformation, eager to carve out a new identity as they search for glory once more.