:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65800736/1158663889.jpg.0.jpg)
The funny season is in full throttle now and further reports out of Brazil have surfaced linking FC Dallas to another midfielder from Brazilian top flight club Palmeiras:
Raphael Veiga e Thiago Santos devem deixar o Palmeiras. Destino seria o FC Dallas dos EUA. Valor total da negociação dos dois jogadores deve render aproximadamente 20 milhões de reais ao clube. Lembrando que os dois custaram, no total, 5,5 milhões de reais ao Palmeiras.
— País do Futebol (@futebol_pais) November 29, 2019
Pais do Futebol is reporting that FC Dallas is in advanced talks to sign midfielder Raphael Veiga. Yes, this would be a package deal, in tandem with the previously reported Thiago Santos transfer rumor. The rumored combined amount for both players is said to be in the $5.5 million dollar range, although knowing how FC Dallas goes about their dealings, it is probably less that what has been reported.
Before we talk about Veiga, let’s talk about how a significant move like this, is at all possible. Palmeiras has made it known that they are going to do a complete roster renovation, that will include promoting eight players from the reserves as well as selling up to 10 key players:
Além de Thiago Santos e Henrique Dourado, há uma lista com 10 jogadores que podem deixar o Palmeiras no fim do ano:
— Planeta do Futebol (@futebol_info) November 30, 2019
Fernando Prass
Edu Dracena
Antônio Carlos
Victor Luís
Bruno Henrique
Hyoran
Raphael Veiga
Carlos Eduardo
Deyverson
Borja
UOL
Reports state that Palmeiras received offers for Veiga from Brazilian rivals Corinthians, Atletico-MG, Atletico Paranaense and Inter. They also reportedly had an offer from Brazilian rivals Santos, for the tandem of Thiago Santos and Veiga.
The problem with the offers that Palmeiras received for both players, is that the offers were coming from rivals within the Brazilian top flight. Strengthening their Brazilian rivals is something that is completely unacceptable for Palmeiras and their fan base.
This is where Alexander Zanotta comes into play. Zanotta is one of the Palmeiras Vice Presidents, and brother to Andre Zanotta who is the Technical Director for FC Dallas. Selling both players to FC Dallas, is a win-win situation for Palmeiras, as they get the much needed funds for their roster rebuild, and they don’t have to play against these players in the future.
The 24-year old Veiga is a jack-of-all-trades midfielder, who can play anywhere in the midfield, both centrally and on the outside. Despite his versatility, he has played mostly as an attacking midfielder. Veiga spent last season on loan to Atletico Paranaense (Brazilian top flight) where he played in 23 matches (nine starts, 14 matches off the bench) across all competitions (including Copa Libertadores). Veiga finished the season with four goals and one assist. He has played in 98 matches in the Brazilian top flight, across all competitions, and has a total of 17 goals with 13 assists.
Rumors are that the talks are an advanced stage (for both players), and could be finalized as soon as next week. Keep in mind that even if that is the case, FC Dallas probably won’t make an official announcement until a much later time (it does have to get through the approval process of the MLS front office as well thanks to the single entity structure).
The addition of two players from the Brazilian power just feels unreal. I’ve never even heard of such a move. What do you think? Does this mean a significant shake up in the FC Dallas midfield? Is FC Dallas about to sell several of their talented young midfielders? What do you think this all means? Let us know your thoughts!