Fortaleza shake up squad: star defender out, record striker in | OneFootball

Fortaleza have continued an assertive reshaping of their squad during the current transfer window, with a notable focus on both incoming and outgoing business, according to reports from Globo, Diário do Nordeste, and NE45.

One of the main headlines is the departure of centre-back Bernardo Schappo, who has completed a move to Estrela da Amadora in Portugal’s top division. The club sold 50% of their economic rights for Schappo in the transfer, receiving €200,000 (around R$1.2 million). Schappo, still under contract until the end of 2026, never featured in a match for Fortaleza, instead spending the bulk of his time out on loan – most recently at Vila Nova, where the defender was a regular starter, making 29 appearances and scoring four goals. Previously, Schappo also played for Botafogo SP, racking up 47 matches and two goals. His move to Portugal represents a new chapter after failing to break through at Fortaleza, whose defensive sector continues to evolve following other departures such as Titi and Pol Fernández.

As part of those defensive changes, Fortaleza have also focused on reinforcing their attacking options. The club confirmed the signing of Paraguayan striker Adam Bareiro from River Plate (Argentina). Fortaleza acquired 50% of Bareiro's rights for US$1.8 million (approximately R$9.7 million), with the forward signing a contract until December 2027. The 28-year-old arrives following a string of productive campaigns—he was a standout at San Lorenzo with 36 goals in 106 matches between 2022 and 2024 and maintained solid form on loan at Al Rayyan in Qatar earlier this year, recording six goals in 17 games. Bareiro is expected to bring a different profile to the central striker’s role, offering distinct qualities compared to current options Lucero and Deyverson. "We wanted a striker with a different style, and the chance to sign Bareiro came up—we’re confident he’ll help us a lot," said football director Sérgio Papellin.

Alongside Bareiro, other newcomers have bolstered the squad, with Matheus Pereira already regularised and the arrivals of José Herrera and Dylan Borrero. In contrast, recent weeks have seen exits in several key positions: Pedro Augusto, Felipe Jonatan, and others joining an ongoing squad refresh.

While Schappo’s switch to Portugal and Bareiro’s arrival headline the latest transfer developments, Fortaleza’s board remain proactive in both the domestic and international markets, determined to build a competitive team for the challenges of Brasileirão and continental competition.