Rômulo to Criciúma
Quiet since 29 August 2026. Last report: Vene Casagrande. Probability when it went quiet: 10%.
Rômulo's future is edging towards Criciúma, according to fresh reporting out of Brazil. The 22-year-old centre back came back to Atlético Mineiro after a loan spell at Sporting, but the club has decided he does not figure in its plans. Criciúma is now said to have struck a deal to take him on loan, with Ceará also having made an offer before missing out. The story so far rests on a single voice: Vene Casagrande, whose report carries decent credibility at 77 out of 100. There is no second outlet confirming the details yet, so this sits as a solid but unverified line rather than a story with two independent sources pulling in the same direction. Given the source strength, this looks like a longshot rather than anything close to settled. For it to happen, Atlético Mineiro need to formalise Rômulo's exit and Criciúma need to complete the loan paperwork ahead of Ceará circling back with a rival offer. Nothing here suggests personal terms or a medical, so the move is still some way from the finish line. Criciúma have been active in this kind of low-cost move before. The Juventude to Criciúma deal in 2025, done for €0m, shows the club is comfortable picking up players on free or loan terms rather than paying fees, which fits the shape of this reported Rômulo deal. Watch for Atlético Mineiro confirming his departure from the squad list, and for any follow-up reporting from a second source verifying the loan terms with Criciúma before Ceará can make a fresh move.
Who reported it
- Vene Casagrande, 29 August 2026: O Criciúma acertou a contratação de Rômulo junto ao Atlético-MG. O zagueiro de 22 anos retornou de empréstimo junto ao Sporting e, como não será aproveitado no Galo, está sendo ced