Palmeiras Secures Jhon Arias Transfer from Wolverhampton for €25 Million
Palmeiras has signed midfielder Jhon Arias from Wolverhampton for €25 million, outbidding Flamengo and Fluminense, with the transfer fee paid over four years.
- • Palmeiras signed Colombian midfielder Jhon Arias from Wolverhampton for €25 million.
- • Fluminense had contractual preference but offered a lower bid; Palmeiras outbid Flamengo as well.
- • The transfer fee will be paid in installments over four years with a four-year contract signed.
- • Arias, formerly with Fluminense from 2021-2025, initially resisted returning to Brazil but agreed after negotiations.
- • Palmeiras aims to strengthen its squad further, prioritizing midfield and defensive signings following recent departures.
Key details
Palmeiras officially completed the signing of Colombian midfielder Jhon Arias from Wolverhampton on February 7, 2026, after a nearly two-month negotiation. The Brazilian club outbid Flamengo and Fluminense by offering €25 million, surpassing Flamengo's €22 million bid and Fluminense’s €20 million offer despite the latter holding contractual preference rights.
Arias initially moved to Wolverhampton following a strong performance at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup but struggled to make an impact in the Premier League. Palmeiras reignited their interest in December 2025, patiently waiting for the transfer window dynamics before finalizing the move. Fluminense president Mário Bittencourt had repeatedly refused to sell to another Brazilian club, complicating negotiations.
The transfer fee will be paid in installments over four years, with Arias signing a four-year contract. Despite his prior promise to fans that he would not join another Brazilian club if he returned from Europe, Arias has now committed to Palmeiras. He played for Fluminense from 2021 to 2025, winning six titles, including the prestigious 2023 Libertadores.
Palmeiras director of football, Anderson Barros, maintained ongoing communication with Arias, convincing him to return to Brazil. The signing also reflects Palmeiras’ broader strategy to strengthen their squad, particularly after midfielder Raphael Veiga departed for América de México and with potential exits like Bruno Rodrigues rumored. The club prioritizes reinforcements in midfield and defense.
Arias is expected to arrive in Brazil shortly for his official presentation and to begin integrating with Palmeiras’ squad. This strategic acquisition is seen as a key move to bolster Palmeiras as they prepare for the Brazilian season and other competitions.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
Source articles (2)
Source comparison
Fluminense's offer for Arias
Sources report different amounts for Fluminense's offer for Arias.
espn.com.br
"Flamengo's offer was 22 million euros."
oglobo.globo.com
"Fluminense offered only 20 million euros."
Why this matters: One source states Fluminense offered 20 million euros, while the other claims they offered 22 million euros. This discrepancy affects the understanding of the competitive landscape in the transfer negotiations.