Cruzeiro moves to sign several strikers in summer transfer window

Cruzeiro Esporte Clube is active in the 2026 summer transfer window, seeking to reinforce its attack after injuries to Luis Sinisterra and Gabriel Pec. The club is close to completing a loan deal for Uruguayan striker Lucho Rodríguez from Neom SC of Saudi Arabia, with an option to purchase, pending medical exams scheduled in early August.

In parallel, Cruzeiro has secured an agreement for 21‑year‑old forward João Costa, a luso‑Brazilian who currently plays for Al‑Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia. The deal also includes a fixed‑price option to acquire part of his economic rights after a one‑year loan.

A separate negotiation to sell defender Jonathan Jesus to Portuguese side Benfica collapsed after Cruzeiro set a price above €20 million, far exceeding Benfica’s offer of up to €15 million.

These moves are intended to strengthen the squad ahead of key fixtures, notably the Copa do Brasil round‑of‑16 second leg against Chapecoense and the upcoming Copa Libertadores knockout match versus Flamengo.