Fluminense Sign Soteldo, Register Him for FIFA Club World Cup

Fluminense have officially signed Venezuelan winger Yeferson Soteldo on a contract running through the end of 2028. The Rio de Janeiro club will pay $5.4 million (around R$30 million) for 50% of the player’s economic rights, which were held by Santos. Soteldo will wear the No. 7 shirt, vacated since Renato Augusto’s departure.

While Santos initially hesitated to sell due to concerns about finding a suitable replacement, the player’s desire to leave ultimately prompted the club to approve the deal. According to Fluminense, Soteldo has already been registered for the FIFA Club World Cup, bringing the squad to 32 of the 35 permitted slots. The club stated it will not fill the remaining three spots.

Soteldo reunites with coach Renato Gaúcho, under whom he played 41 matches with Grêmio last season, scoring seven goals and providing four assists. His only previous stints in Brazil were with Santos and Grêmio. Internationally, the attacker has also played for Zamora, Huachipato, Universidad de Chile, Toronto FC, and Tigres in Mexico.

Despite a current goal drought—his last goal came on October 26, 2024, in a 3–1 win for Grêmio over Atlético-GO—Fluminense sees potential in Soteldo’s skill set and past connection with Renato as they prepare for the global stage.