Alex Telles is the latest addition to Botafogo, signing up just a day after he cut ties with Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr. The deal locks him in until December 2026. He’s yet to pick a jersey number, but there’s talk he might choose the iconic number 13, once worn by stars like Loco Abreu and Zagallo.
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Botafogo grabbed Telles on a free transfer, a smart move considering the timing. He originally joined Cristiano Ronaldo’s former team, Al Nassr, in 2023 for R$38 million. During his stint, he scored three goals and provided five assists over 38 games.
JOGA MUITO! ▶️⚽️
Hora de conferir os lances do novo reforço alvinegro. Tem gol, ARCO e muita categoria! Solta o play! 🔥🏹 #VamosBOTAFOGO pic.twitter.com/V1oKO0fZcF
— Botafogo F.R. (@Botafogo) September 3, 2024
His move to Botafogo was quick and strategic. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s new player limit rule forced Al Nassr to make some cuts after signing Brazilian player Bento, which meant Telles had to go. This rule turned out to be a boon for Botafogo, allowing them to register Telles even after the Brazilian transfer window had closed.
Botafogo has been on the lookout for experienced international players, and Telles fits the bill. At 31, he’s played across Europe at clubs like Galatasaray, Inter Milan, Porto, and Sevilla and has competed in 12 matches for Brazil, including two at the 2022 World Cup.
Telles is the eighth player Botafogo has signed recently, joining names like Igor Jesus and Allan. His signing is seen as a key part of Botafogo’s plan to boost their squad with seasoned talent, hoping to enhance their game with his international experience.
