Eduardo Domínguez Appointed Atlético Mineiro Manager, Focus Shifts to Domestic Transfers

Belo Horizonte, Brazil – February 28, 2026 – Clube Atlético Mineiro officially presented Eduardo Domínguez as their new manager on Friday, February 27th, with a clear strategy emerging: prioritize recruitment within the Brazilian domestic market as the international transfer window nears its close.

Domínguez Outlines Transfer Strategy

With the international transfer window set to close on March 3rd, Domínguez adopted a pragmatic approach, indicating the club will concentrate its efforts on identifying and securing players already within Brazil. This strategy acknowledges the limited time remaining for international acquisitions and the potential for valuable opportunities within the domestic league, particularly after state championships conclude on March 27th.

Confidence in Current Squad

Domínguez expressed strong confidence in the existing Atlético Mineiro squad, emphasizing their potential for growth as a key factor in his decision to join the club. He believes the current team provides a solid foundation for success and will be a primary focus for development before seeking additional reinforcements. “I believe in these players. The positive thing I saw in coming here is the great possibility for the players and the team to grow,” stated Domínguez.

Paulo Bracks Supports Domestic Focus

Paulo Bracks, Atlético Mineiro’s executive football director, echoed Domínguez’s sentiments, confirming the board’s willingness to remain alert for both potential departures and arrivals within the domestic transfer window. Bracks stated the club will continue to evaluate opportunities as long as the window remains open.

Kevin Lomónaco Identified as Potential Target

Despite the focus on domestic options, the club has shown interest in Argentine defender Kevin Lomónaco, currently playing for Independiente. Domínguez acknowledged Lomónaco’s quality, describing him as “one of the great players in Argentine football today,” but emphasized that a thorough evaluation of the current squad at the Cidade do Galo training facility will be the priority before pursuing any new signings.

Managerial Changes in 2026

The 2026 season has already seen managerial changes at Atlético Mineiro. Jorge Sampaoli departed on February 12th, with Lucas Gonçalves serving as interim manager until February 25th, before Domínguez’s appointment. This is Nike’s first year as kit supplier for Atlético Mineiro, taking over from Adidas.

Atlético Mineiro’s 2026 Season Overview

The 2026 season marks the 112th season in the history of Clube Atlético Mineiro and their 20th consecutive season in Brazil’s top flight. In addition to Série A, the club will compete in the Campeonato Mineiro, Copa do Brasil and Copa Sudamericana. Victor Hugo currently leads the team in league scoring with 2 goals, while Hulk is the overall top scorer with 5 goals across all competitions.