Athletico-PR is on the brink of major roster changes for the 2025 season as the club faces the repercussions of its recent relegation to Brazil's Série B. With President Mário Celso Petraglia leading the charge, the team is expected to see significant departures, particularly among notable names such as defenders Thiago Heleno, forward Pablo, and midfielder Fernandinho.
Thiago Heleno and Pablo, previously perceived as team leaders, have been deemed surplus to requirements. According to reports from Globo Esporte, both players have contracts extending to the end of 2025, yet they are unlikely to feature for Athletico next year. While Pablo had tentatively agreed to accept a pay cut to remain with the club, this decision changed swiftly. Just days after rejoining the squad, he was informed by Petraglia of his release. Meanwhile, Heleno's refusal to agree to salary adjustments has sealed his fate as well.
Fernandinho's situation presents another layer of uncertainty. His contract ends this month, and the club has yet to initiate discussions about renewal, leaving his future hanging in the balance. Notably, no negotiations have surfaced as the team prepares for their season kick-off. Athletico's offseason restructuring aims to refresh the lineup and adapt to the financial realities induced by their demotion.
Recent actions have seen Athletico negotiate the sales of several players, including the departure of midfielder Erick to Bahia for €4.5 million and Christian to Cruzeiro for approximately €2.7 million. These moves exemplify the club's strategy to rejuvenate its roster by capitalizing on financial assets before the emergence of its new structure.
The planned exodus features over ten exits as Athletico navigates through the post-relegation roster overhaul. Alongside those confirmed for departure are loaned players such as Nikão, Zé Vitor, and Marcos Victor who will not return next season.
Athletico's athletic director has labeled the current squad as "expensive," which complicates efforts to retain any existing players. The flight of notable athletes is framed within the club's ambition to embrace more modest fiscal expectations moving forward. Major changes extend beyond player movement. The club also retooled its leadership, parting ways with seasoned figures such as coach Lucho González and sporting director Paulo Autuori, inviting fresh perspectives for future planning.
While many core players are being offloaded, Athletico is also actively seeking to strengthen its lineup. The club has already declared the acquisition of Raul from Bragantino, Luiz Fernando from Atlético-GO, and Colombian right-back Hayen Palacios. They are reportedly closing on finalizing the transfer of defender Léo from Vasco to bolster the backline.
Looking to 2025, Athletico-PR will be preparing for key competitions including the state league, Copa do Brasil, and the Série B season. The club’s first matchup is slated against Paraná Clube on January 11, at the Ligga Arena.
With such extensive changes on the horizon, the question remains how Athletico will adapt their playing style and team dynamics under new tactical philosophies. The rebuilding task is monumental, considering the expectation set by fans amid heightened scrutiny and less tolerance for poor performances following the relegation.
Building for the future will involve cautious selections and likely the induction of younger, less expensive talent to help stabilize the club financially and competitively. Each decision made during this transformative phase will play a pivotal role as they aim for promotion back to the main league.
Athletico's leadership has emphasized the importance of creativity and strategic insight to navigate this challenging transition. While they may be departing from familiar faces, the club is motivated to innovate and thrive anew, expecting to invoke hope and rediscover the competitive spirit displayed during its top-flight tenure.
The upcoming season is undoubtedly pivotal for Athletico, as they strive to realign their ambitions and reestablish themselves on the Brazilian football stage after the setbacks of 2024.
