Palmeiras Faces Major Blow as Piquerez, Ríos, and Gómez Set for Exit

Hours before Palmeiras’ highly anticipated Club World Cup match against FC Porto, head coach Abel Ferreira had been hit with a troubling reality: three of his key players are likely on their way out. The club’s leadership, headed by president Leila Pereira, is preparing to sell Joaquín Piquerez, Richard Ríos, and Gustavo Gómez following the tournament.

According to R7, Piquerez — widely regarded as one of the top full-backs in South America — has asked to be transferred after the World Cup. The Uruguayan defender believes his time at Palmeiras has run its course and is eyeing a move to a European giant.

Meanwhile, Colombian midfielder Richard Ríos is attracting heavy interest from clubs like Manchester United, PSG, Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Al Qadisiyah. As reported by Terra, his release clause is a staggering €100 million (over R$ 600 million), but Palmeiras would be open to negotiating for a fee of around R$ 220 million. Ríos has become one of Abel Ferreira’s most trusted players, and his departure would leave a significant void in midfield.

Team captain Gustavo Gómez is also on the radar of Middle Eastern clubs. At 32, the Paraguayan center-back is contemplating what could be the last major contract of his career. Though Palmeiras would prefer to keep him, the club is expected to honor his wishes if he opts to leave. Gómez is currently valued at €5 million (approximately R$ 32 million).

Should all three exits materialize, Palmeiras would receive a substantial financial boost. However, it would come at the cost of losing the core of a team that was built to contend for global honors — a trade-off that leaves Abel Ferreira with more questions than answers at a critical juncture, with the Copa Libertadores knockout stages still to come.