Cruzeiro risk losing key duo as contract deadline looms | OneFootball

With July’s arrival, Cruzeiro’s board face a familiar mid-season dilemma: key players are now eligible to sign pre-contract agreements with rival clubs for 2025, as highlighted by Lance. In line with CBF regulations, footballers with contracts expiring at the end of the calendar year are free to negotiate future moves.

Currently, attacking midfielder Eduardo and forward Bolasie are the two most prominent names whose deals end on 31 December 2024. While neither has secured an automatic starting berth this season, both have remained involved under Leonardo Jardim’s management. Eduardo, formerly of Botafogo, has featured in 21 of the 24 matches overseen by Jardim, while Bolasie has contributed in 13.

Despite speculation, defensive midfielder Lucas Romero is not among those at risk—his contract was recently extended, running until 2027.

Cruzeiro also have players on short-term loan arrangements. Right-back Fagner, brought in from Corinthians, is tied to his parent club until 2026 and, therefore, is not eligible to sign a pre-contract elsewhere at this stage. Conversely, centre-back Mateo Gamarra, on loan from Athletico Paranaense since February, has only seen limited minutes with six appearances under Jardim. There is growing talk of an early departure from the Toca da Raposa for the Paraguayan international.

Looking beyond the first-team, three further players are currently away from Cruzeiro on loan—Weverton (Vila Nova-GO), Fernando Henrique (CRB, currently set to face Cruzeiro in the Copa do Brasil), and Helibelton Palacios (Millonarios, Colombia). All three contracts are set to expire in December. Early indications suggest the club are unlikely to renew terms with any of them.

The timing heightens the importance of contract planning for director Leonardo Jardim and his team. With Eduardo and Bolasie now able to negotiate their futures, Cruzeiro may be compelled to accelerate renewal talks if they wish to keep them beyond the current campaign. The balance between squad continuity and strategic recruitment will be paramount as Cruzeiro look to build on a promising season and maintain momentum in domestic and continental competitions.

Original source: Lance.

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