The Balancing Act: Atlético-MG’s 2025 Defensive Investments Reviewed

The 2025 season for Atlético Mineiro (Galo) was defined by a classic dichotomy: offensive flair coupled with defensive fragility. Despite attempts to shore up the backline through tactical shifts and, critically, five new signings, the defense remained an area of pervasive inconsistency. When the final whistle blew on the campaign, the central question lingered: Did the considerable investment yield stability, or merely more confusion?

Atlético`s management approached 2025 with a clear mandate to strengthen the rear guard. The strategy was two-pronged: secure long-term future assets via permanent transfers and implement immediate, low-risk solutions through short-term loans. This mix resulted in five new faces arriving across the transfer windows, yet the resulting defensive performance was anything but solid, impacting the team`s ability to compete consistently at the highest level.

The Search for Stability: Investment Strategy vs. Reality

Of the five defensive additions, only two were secured on permanent deals, signaling genuine belief in their long-term value. The other three were temporary fixes, often a sign of market uncertainty or a specific tactical need identified by rotating coaching staff. Analyzing these individual cases provides a clear picture of where Galo hit the mark, and where the returns were minimal, bordering on costly.

The Hits (or, The Only Clear Prospect)

Iván Román: The $2 Million Bet on Youth

At just 19 years old, the Chilean center-back Iván Román arrived early in the year from Palestino in a permanent deal worth approximately $2 million (R$ 11.4 million). Contracted until the end of 2029, Román represented a clear investment in future value, not immediate impact.

Operating primarily as an immediate reserve, Román`s performances were universally praised for showing maturity and personality beyond his years. While he still requires technical evolution and significant game experience—a polite way of saying he’s raw—his few appearances demonstrated confidence and positional security. In a season of defensive headaches, Román`s acquisition stands out as one of the few long-term success stories. He delivered potential; now, Galo just needs to nurture it.

The Misses: High Expectations, Low Returns

Natanael: The Right-Back Who Couldn`t Claim His Throne

Natanael (23) was acquired from Coritiba for approximately R$ 7 million, tasked with resolving the perennial vacancy at right-back and establishing himself as the undisputed starter. This high-cost permanent acquisition carried significant pressure.

Regrettably, Natanael’s season was a roller coaster. He showcased flashes of attacking quality and speed in some games, justifying the investment. However, these moments were often offset by erratic performances and a failure to maintain consistency, preventing him from locking down the position. For a seven-million-reais investment meant to solve a defensive structural problem, the outcome was decidedly below expectation. The search for a reliable right-back continues.

Caio Paulista: The Loan Who Never Convinced

Caio Paulista (27), a left-back, arrived on a one-year loan from Palmeiras. He was frequently utilized, particularly when the established starter, Arana, was undergoing one of his inconsistent patches. This frequent usage might suggest value, but quantity did not equal quality.

Despite his omnipresence in the squad rotation, Paulista struggled to deliver consistent or convincing performances. He became a magnet for fan criticism, failing to win over the crowd or management. Unsurprisingly, with the season concluded, the club opted not to negotiate his permanence, promptly returning him to his parent club. A classic example of a temporary fix that proved ineffective.

The Jury’s Out: The Role-Players

Vitor Hugo: The Coach’s Man Who Found His System

Vitor Hugo (34) arrived in March, loaned from Bahia, reportedly at the specific request of coach Cuca, with whom he had previously worked. Yet, under Cuca, the veteran defender wasn`t an undisputed starter.

His fate dramatically changed with the arrival of Sampaoli, who shifted to a system utilizing three central defenders. Suddenly, Hugo became an absolute stalwart. His season was described as “solid”—neither exceptional nor poor. He contributed with crucial goals and generally reliable defensive duties. His value, it appears, was inextricably linked to the tactical blueprint. Currently, his situation is mired in typical bureaucratic complexity: Galo wants another loan, Bahia insists on a permanent sale. His effectiveness hinged on a specific formation, making any long-term commitment a tactical gamble.

Ruan Tressoldi: The Injured Mid-Season Patch

Ruan Tressoldi arrived in August on a 12-month loan from Sassuolo (Italy) with an option to buy, having spent the prior season with São Paulo. He arrived mid-rehab, needing about a month to achieve match fitness—not an ideal start for a quick fix.

Initially overlooked, Tressoldi saw minutes late in the season, particularly filling in after Lyanco’s injury. This was his opportunity to prove his worth. Unfortunately, he delivered neither consistency nor confidence, committing critical errors in key moments. His season was largely discreet, failing to establish him as a secure defensive alternative. This loan felt like a roll of the dice that landed slightly off target, leaving management to decide if the embedded purchase option is worth activating based on such lukewarm evidence.

Conclusion: Expensive Instability

Atlético-MG’s defensive expenditures in 2025 were characterized by inconsistent decision-making. High-cost bets (Natanael) failed to pay immediate dividends, while strategically implemented loans (Paulista, Tressoldi) simply did not deliver the required quality or stability. The most promising outcome remains the youngest, lowest-pressure acquisition, Iván Román.

The overall volatility in the backline directly reflects the scattershot approach to recruitment. As Galo looks towards 2026, the priority must shift from simply acquiring warm bodies to making targeted, high-impact signings capable of cementing their positions, thereby transforming an expensive liability into an asset.