The market is heating up, and the name Gabriel Pirani, an attacking midfielder for DC United, has gained momentum behind the scenes at Cruzeiro. According to Brazilian journalist Samuel Venâncio, the player has been offered to the Brazilian club, which has already started analyzing the situation. The news creates a promising scenario, but one that's not without challenges.
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Pirani is only 22 years old and was acquired by DC United at the start of 2024 on a deal worth $1.3 million. His contract with the Major League Soccer team runs until 2025, further complicating any deal, especially as his release clause is around $10 million. Pirani knows Cruzeiro's coach
In 2024, Gabriel Pirani played 33 matches for DC United, starting 13 of them, scoring 6 goals, and providing 1 assist. Another relevant factor is that Pirani has already worked with Cruzeiro coach Fernando Diniz, first at Fluminense and later at Santos.
That he is a talent is pretty well known, and Pirani would fit teams which rely on possession football, midfield mobility, and creative passing.
The biggest hurdle
The contract situation of Pirani remains the biggest obstacle to the advancement of negotiations. DC United, which invested $1.3 million for the player earlier this year, is unwilling to let him go for much less than expected. The $10 million release clause is way beyond Cruzeiro's current financial reach, and the club has already ruled out paying the full amount.
On the other hand, a window of opportunity might be opened that would serve to advance the talks: Pirani is reportedly open to hearing Cruzeiro's offer. In fact, according to RTI Esporte, the player is willing to negotiate with the Brazilian club. This type of openness is usually a determining factor in unlocking negotiations, especially when it is clear that a player wants a change of air.
To lose Pirani, DC United will find complete sense only when the football club gets an attractive financial proposition. MLS has grown quite professional in handling transfers over recent times, and with the American club aware they get decent money if they let go of Pirani, it's likely it moves in that direction.
DC United, however, is in no hurry to sell. Pirani’s contract is valid through 2025, and he still has time to grow and further increase his value in the market. This position creates a challenging scenario for Cruzeiro: the Brazilian club must demonstrate skill at the negotiation table to lower the asking price and find a solution that benefits all parties involved.