Leila and Anderson Barros closely monitored Arias’ situation in England, and when the perfect opportunity arose, they moved for the player. In his last 10 Campeonato Inglês appearances, Arias started on the bench five times and was substituted at halftime twice.
Abel Ferreira stated in a press conference that Arias is a “signing made by the president.” The technical staff believes that players like the Colombian don’t even need their approval, as happened with the arrivals of Andreas Pereira and Vitor Roque.
“I know the club is making a great effort to go after these signings [like Arias]. When we talk about players of this level, it’s a president’s signing. The signing of López, Murilo… the scout, [Anderson] Barros and the coach, is a president’s signing. Players like Vitor Roque, Andreas, Arias, are signed by the president.”
Abel Ferreira after the 1-0 victory against Corinthians in the Paulistão
Arias’ time in England consisted of 26 games, with 2 goals and 1 assist. Because the player was in the middle of the season, he arrived at Palmeiras ready to play.
Despite the high expectations for Arias’ debut, the midfielder is expected to start the match against Capivariano on the bench. He has only had three training sessions with his new club.
Palmeiras is expected to take the field with: Carlos Miguel; Khellven, Gustavo Gómez, Murilo and Piquerez; Marlon Freitas, Andreas Pereira, Allan and Maurício; Flaco López and Vitor Roque.
Palmeiras has added Colombian midfielder Jhon Arias to their roster, with the acquisition heavily influenced by club president Leila Pereira. The move came after Pereira and Anderson Barros identified Arias as a key target while monitoring his situation in England. Arias, who appeared in 26 games for his previous club with 2 goals and 1 assist, arrives mid-season and is reportedly ready for immediate action. However, despite the excitement surrounding his arrival, the midfielder is expected to begin Saturday’s match against Capivariano on the bench, having participated in only three training sessions with his new teammates. According to comments made by head coach Abel Ferreira following a 1-0 win over Corinthians in the Paulistão, signings of this caliber are “a president’s signing.” Ferreira emphasized that players like Arias, Vitor Roque, and Andreas Pereira are brought in at the direction of the club’s leadership, rather than solely through the technical staff’s recommendations. Palmeiras is projected to line up against Capivariano with Carlos Miguel in goal; Khellven, Gustavo Gómez, Murilo, and Piquerez at the back; Marlon Freitas, Andreas Pereira, Allan, and Maurício in midfield; and Flaco López and Vitor Roque leading the attack. The addition of Arias bolsters Palmeiras’ midfield options as they continue their campaign.
