Active in the market to strengthen the team available for Martín Anselmi in 2026, the management of Botafogo also intends to maintain the base of the team considered good in 2025. This is why the management of black and white football is working to renew in advance the contracts of four team leaders. Left-back Marçal, about to turn 37 and who has a contract until 31, naturally has the most advanced situation.
As the defender himself revealed last Monday during a friendly match, the negotiations are practically closed.
— Everything is almost 90% correct now. There is a small detail that needs to be sorted out, but we hope to resolve it this week — Marçal told SporTV.
The other three names under negotiation are Alexander Barboza (30), Marlon Freitas (30) and Alex Telles (33). All with contracts until December 2026.
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Holders and considered fundamental pieces for the team, the three have already addressed the board of directors to discuss expectations from all sides.
Botafogo, however, is in no “rush” to agree on the contract renewal, as there are still six months before they can sign a pre-contract with other teams. Barboza even received an offer from a club in the United Arab Emirates. The numbers were presented by the athlete’s staff to the black and white directors.
The negotiations were interrupted after the departure of Davide Ancelotti, so that the football management could concentrate on studies and, later, on negotiations for the hiring of a new coach. Now, with the arrival of Anselmi, we must resume contacts.
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