The attacker Nikão must leave the Athletico at the end of the loan contract, at the end of 2024, and will not compete in Series B for the team. The number 11 did not reach an agreement with Furacão and would have proposals from other teams.
The information was released by the journalist Monique Vilela. Athletico wants to reduce the salary bill due to the drop to the Second Division, and the athlete would not have accepted and has space in clubs with greater value.
The player is on loan from São Paulo to Rubro-Negro until the end of 2024. He also has a contract with Tricolor until December 31st and is free to sign with another team.
Nikão returned to Athletico in April and became involved in controversy
The 31-year-old striker returned to Athletico in April, still under Cuca’s command, and it was the coach’s request. However, he was unable to perform like in the glorious seasons he experienced until 2021, when he accumulated six titles.
The player says goodbye to the club with 343 games, 56 goals and seven titles (Sul-Americana 2018 and 2021, Copa do Brasil 2019, J. League/Conmebol 2019 and the state titles 2016, 2020 and 2024).
The passage, however, was negatively marked by the relegation in the centenary, as Nikão managed to do little to avoid the dismal campaign. The player was also involved in a controversy with coach Martín Varini, when he was removed by the coach and started training separately. Six days later, Varini was fired and Nikão was reinstated.
Before returning to Rubro-negro, the player had short spells at São Paulo and Cruzeiro, where he made 31 appearances – most as a substitute – with four goals and three assists.
Athletico has departure boats
Athletico already has a list of players who have left or are close to leaving the club. There are still situations to be defined, such as that of defender Thiago Heleno, midfielder Fernandinho, striker Canobbio, who would be agreed with Milan, in Italy, among others.
- Marcos Victor
- Erick
- Christian
- Gabriel
- Praxedes
- Zé Vitor
- Nikão