Internacional Football Club is gearing up for its 2025 season with significant adjustments and strategic moves to strengthen its roster. With the possibility of losing key players like Wesley and Vitão, coach Roger Machado is actively working behind the scenes to prepare the team for the challenges ahead.
Early on, there are indications the club is closing in on its first reinforcement of the upcoming year. Journalist Tiago Stormovski from Rádio Grenal reports on negotiations to acquire Willyan Rocha, currently playing for CSKA Moscow. The deal, which initially suggested a direct sale, is now being discussed under different conditions, potentially finalizing the transfer soon.
Meanwhile, there are developments surrounding Lucas Alario, who is on the verge of rescinding his contract with Internacional. Engaged with Nacional, the Uruguayan club faces hurdles due to Alario's substantial salary of approximately R$ 500,000, which exceeds their budget. Though the Inter board will not receive any financial compensation, the decision aligns with their goal of reducing operational costs, aiming for savings around R$ 6 million throughout the season.
Alario’s departure follows a disappointing season where his contributions waned under coach Machado’s rotation, favoring other players like Ricardo Mathias. This shift marks part of the club's broader financial restructuring strategy, ensuring they can compete effectively next season.
Among the other pressing concerns for Internacional is its defense. The club anticipates losing Vitão, who has expressed intentions to return to Europe, prompting additional worries about potential gaps in the defense line. Bruno Gomes is being eyed as another possible acquisition, alongside the uncertainty surrounding the continued presence of Bernabei at left back.
The current roster also feels the impact of lost potential with the announcement of three significant player absences for January and February. Gabriel Carvalho, Gustavo Prado, and Ricardo Mathias will represent Brazil at the South American U-20 Championship, from January 23 to February 16. With their unmatched experience this past season, which saw Carvalho play 26 times, and Prado 41, their absence is expected to resonate through the club's performances during their international duty.
Incoming talent is pivotal for the upcoming packed calendar, which includes the Gauchão, Copa do Brasil, and the Brasileirao fixtures alongside Libertadores. The management is pushing to reinforce the lineup with defenders and attacking forwards to bolster the squad.
With the 2025 season on the horizon, Internacional scouted veteran Leandro Damião as another striker option, particularly as the club prepares itself for the Gauchão. Following Alario’s exit and Ricardo Mathias's call-up, Damião could assume the attacking role, marking his return as both significant and symbolic.
The club's approach for the new season appears to be cautious yet hopeful. While they’ve had recent setbacks with three consecutive losses, the team's aspirations remain steady under Roger Machado’s leadership. There’s anticipation among both the board and the fans for 2025, fueled by their previous performance turnaround from near relegation to thrilling title contention.
Simultaneously, the management insists there will be no hasty decisions or excessive spending, mindful of the financial realities affecting the club's operations. Conversations are already advancing concerning Oliveira's contract, with the player showing promising leadership, and Mercado's expected return post-injury.
While the situation appears complex, with multiple moving parts from departures to potential new signings and important contracts to address, Internacional is determined, seeking to balance ambition with fiscal prudence. The upcoming training session scheduled for January 6 will commence their official preparations, setting the stage for what they hope will be as transformative as challenging of the past seasons.
