Corinthians graduate returns to rescue struggling Juventude | OneFootball

Rafael Bilu is set for a return to Juventude after leaving Guarani, closing another chapter in the journey of the former Corinthians youth product. The 26-year-old wide forward agreed a move to Caxias do Sul for the remainder of the season, activating a release clause in his Guarani contract that enabled an immediate transfer to a higher-tier club.

During his recent stint at Guarani in Série C, Bilu made 16 appearances and registered three goals, one notably coming against his first professional club, Corinthians. Although his contract with Guarani ran until the end of 2026, the terms of his deal allowed him to depart without a transfer fee when an offer from a superior division arose.

Bilu has already bid farewell to his Guarani teammates and is awaiting the next transfer window to complete his registration with Juventude. He will only be able to feature for his new club once the window opens on July 10.

This move marks his second spell at Juventude, after a brief loan in 2021 that yielded just five appearances without a goal. In addition to his experience with the youth and senior squads at Corinthians, Bilu has had spells at Cruzeiro, CRB, Criciúma, Mirassol, CSA, and América-MG, reflecting the trajectory of many young talents who emerge from big clubs but seek playing time elsewhere.

Bilu’s time at Corinthians was extensive at the youth level—spanning from under-13 onward—but featured limited exposure to senior football, leading to several loans and ultimately an exit in late 2021.

His arrival at Juventude comes as the club looks to strengthen its squad in a challenging moment. Juventude, currently sitting second from bottom in the league after 11 rounds, are searching for fresh options in attack as they fight to climb out of the relegation zone. The move is also a reminder of the far-reaching network of corinthiano alumni making an impact—however modest—throughout Brazilian football.

Source: Globo