Zapelli runs out of patience at Athletico and leaving should be the solution

The irritation generated by the move culminated in boos from most of the stands, but there was also applause when Zapelli left the field, serving for the return of striker Isaac. Despite the fans’ reaction, coach Odair Hellmann expressed support for the number 10, who is a constant target for the Red and Blacks.

“I’m a guy who always tries to support everyone, especially in difficult times. I’m there to give a hug and support, but I’m not a guy who also stops demanding. When I think the player needs to be more focused, work harder, deliver more. This type of conversation has to be very transparent, direct, clean and frank”, said the commander.

“With Zapelli it will be no different. You will have my support, my protection. I’ll add Zapelli when I think he’ll be important at first. He is an important player for us and [também] technically. Last year helped us a lot in a different role [volante] and grew in that role. Of course, the level of confrontation this year also increases. So it’s protection, work and support so that he seeks his confidence and can perform at his best on the field.“, he added.

Trying to regain his starting position, Zapelli works to play in the game against Vitória. The duel for the 13th round of the Brasileirão takes place this Sunday (26), at 6:30 pm, at Arena da Baixada, in Curitiba.

Zapelli is expected to leave Athletico in 2026

Since his expulsion against Fluminense, in the sixth round of the Brasileirão, Zapelli lost his place in the starting team to young Dudu Kogitski, revealed in the base.

The Argentine entered the final three minutes of the victory in the classic against Coritiba and played more minutes, with around 30 minutes, in the victory over Botafogo. In the defeat to Bahia, Zapelli came on at half-time and had a terrible performance, which meant that coach Odair Hellmann did not use him in the defeat to Atlético-MG.

Despite this, El Mago once again had a chance at half-time in the victory over Chapecoense and also played a part in the defeat to Palmeiras, before getting another chance as a starter. Disputed by the fans, Zapelli has one goal and one assist in 14 games. It’s his worst start to the year, with his best season in terms of numbers being the relegation campaign. In 2024, he had five goals and 11 assists in 60 matches.

The most turbulent moment since the Argentine arrived at Athletico, in mid-2023, helps define a goodbye this season. According to information from Vincenzo Dalicaniyes stepped onZapelli and his staff recognize the wear and tear at Rubro-Negro and are waiting for a new offer to seal the exit, with the desire for everything to happen in the middle of this year.

According to UOL, Galatasaray, from Türkiye, formalized a proposal in March this year for a transfer in the middle of the season. Although the offer values ​​were not revealed, the report pointed out that Athletico wanted 15 million euros, something around R$89 million, to close the deal. Now, the club must agree to close a deal for less.

The business decision is the responsibility of president Mario Celso Petraglia, known for playing hardball in negotiations. Until last year, the understanding was that the Argentine is an important asset and could provide a sporting return when he returns to Série A in the Brasileirão. However, the poor performance in the current season and the eventual devaluation of the athlete could make Petraglia accept a negotiation with reduced values.

Played for by national teams, midfielder is one of the most expensive signings in history

After standing out at Belgrano, in Argentina, Bruno Zapelli was hired in July 2023 for 4 million dollars, around R$19.3 million at the price at the time. He remains in the top-3 of the ranking of the most expensive signings in red and black history.

The contract between Zapelli and Athletico is valid until the end of 2028. Furacão holds 50% of the 23-year-old player’s economic rights, with the other half still belonging to the Argentine club.

In addition to having already been the target of other Brazilian clubs, such as Botafogo, Zapelli had a spell at Boca Juniors and was already the target of dispute between the teams of Argentina and Italy, as he has dual nationality.