Brazilian Soccer Transfer Market Heats Up with Paquetá, Gerson, and Lodi

The Brazilian transfer window is nearing its close, but major clubs have already made significant investments in European-based players to bolster their squads for the Brasileirão and international competitions. Lucas Paquetá, Gerson, and Renan Lodi are among the high-profile players who have returned to Brazilian football this market.

Key Acquisitions

Renan Lodi – Atlético Mineiro

Atlético Mineiro has secured the services of Renan Lodi, a 27-year-classic left-back or winger, who was released from Al-Hilal. Lodi previously played for Atlético de Madrid, Nottingham Forest, and Olympique de Marseille, bringing a wealth of European experience back to Brazil. Source

Gerson – Cruzeiro

Cruzeiro made a splash in January by acquiring Gerson for 27 million euros. The 28-year-old Brazilian midfielder returns to the country after a successful stint with Flamengo and time at Zenit. He has also played for Roma, Fiorentina, and Marseille. Source This acquisition marks the most expensive in South American football, though Flamengo briefly held that record in the same transfer window. Source

Lucas Paquetá – Flamengo

Shortly after Cruzeiro’s move for Gerson, Flamengo secured the return of Lucas Paquetá for 41.25 million euros from West Ham. Source The 28-year-old creative midfielder previously played for Milan and Lyon before returning to his boyhood club. Source

Jhon Arias – Palmeiras

Palmeiras invested 25 million euros in Colombian winger Jhon Arias, who joins from Wolverhampton. Source The 28-year-old previously shone with Fluminense, where he won the Libertadores in 2023.

Other Notable Transfers

Corinthians has also been active, adding defender Gabriel Paulista (from Besiktas, age 35) and pursuing a deal with English midfielder Jesse Lingard (formerly of Manchester United and FC Seoul). They are also linked with Memphis Depay.

Financial Overview

Brazilian clubs have spent over 530 million euros on player acquisitions in 2025, and spending is expected to continue rising. Source The combined investment in Paquetá, Gerson, and Arias nearly reaches 100 million euros.

Paquetá and Gerson’s Early Performance

Despite their high price tags, Lucas Paquetá and Gerson have had a modest start to the Brasileirão season in terms of fantasy football points. Source Together, they have accumulated 11.20 points with an average of 2.80 points per game in the first three rounds of the Cartola fantasy league. Paquetá has shown a knack for tackles, averaging 1.67 per game. Source

The transfer window in Brazil will officially close on March 3rd.