Cruzeiro is ramping up its search for offensive reinforcements, identifying Helinho, currently with Toluca (MEX), as a top priority for the 2026 season.
Things are moving quickly behind the scenes at Toca da Raposa. With the goal of strengthening the squad at the request of manager Artur Jorge, the board is scouring the transfer market for a fast, technically gifted right winger. The name of forward Helinho, a product of the São Paulo academy, has emerged as a strategic option for the Belo Horizonte-based club.
While the interest is genuine and the player has been added to their wish list for the upcoming transfer window, Cruzeiro is exercising caution. So far, the club is evaluating the terms of a potential deal and has not yet submitted an official offer, weighing the cost-benefit of pursuing the 26-year-old.
An alternative for the attacking line
The focus on Helinho comes at a time when negotiations for forward Gabriel Pec, currently with LA Galaxy (USA), have hit a wall. Pec has also been linked to Bahia, and the high fees demanded by the American club make the move complex for Cruzeiro.
Given the need to upgrade their attack, the club is keeping a close eye on several options. In addition to Helinho and Pec, players like Brian Rodriguez of Club América (MEX) and Fábio Vieira of Arsenal (ENG) are also on the board’s radar for their long-term planning.
Career and adaptation to Mexican soccer
Since his move to Toluca in 2024, in a deal worth approximately 15 million dollars, Helinho has made his mark in international football, adding national and continental titles to his resume.
“The player is in great form, having recorded 11 goals and nine assists in 35 appearances last season, numbers that justify the interest from the club.”
With consistent stints at São Paulo and RB Bragantino, where he solidified his game in Brazil, the forward fits the profile of the dynamic winger that Artur Jorge‘s coaching staff is looking to add to the roster. Cruzeiro currently has options such as Keny Arroyo, Luis Sinisterra, Bruno Rodrigues, Kaique Kenji, Marquinhos, and Wanderson, but is seeking to increase internal competition.
The fans expect the club to finalize its priority targets as the transfer window progresses to ensure a significant boost in quality for the season. The push for Helinho highlights the management’s commitment to building a competitive team capable of achieving the goals set for 2026.
