Brentford could be approaching the end of Gustavo Nunes’ time in England, with a return to Brazilian football now looking like a serious possibility.
The 20-year-old winger, who arrived from Grêmio for €12m (£10m) in August 2024, has struggled to establish himself. And with another season passing without much first-team football, an exit in early 2027 is now being discussed.
Palmeiras have already made an enquiry. Brentford and the player’s representatives are also looking at how a deal might work.
Palmeiras enter the picture as Brentford weigh up Nunes’ future
Brazilian journalist Kaliel Dorneles brings the latest developments, reporting that Nunes is expected to return to his homeland at the beginning of 2027.
According to him, the winger and Brentford are jointly assessing the best structure for a potential move. That leaves the door open to different arrangements, although there’s no confirmation yet of whether they favour a loan or permanent transfer.
Palmeiras have taken the first step by making an enquiry. There’s no mention of a formal offer or negotiations over a fee, but he looks like a target for 2027.
This is not the first time we’ve seen something like this. In the past year, Gustavo Nunes has repeatedly been linked with a return to Brazil, with Bahia, Corinthians, Santos, Fluminense, Grêmio and Cruzeiro all mentioned as potential destinations at different stages.
Now this would mean the Bees need another rethink over a player they invested heavily in just over two years ago.
The Premier League club also have some protection through his contract. Nunes signed a six-year deal in 2024, with an option for another two years.
Two years in England, very little Premier League football
When Brentford signed Nunes, there was plenty of excitement around his pace and dribbling ability. Getting him onto the pitch has proved rather more difficult.
Injuries disrupted his introduction to English football. He made just three Premier League appearances in 2024/25, spending a total of 11 minutes on the pitch.
Things didn’t improve much the following season. Two brief cup appearances preceded a January loan to Swansea City, where he managed 12 Championship matches and one assist.
That move at least gave him some regular football. Still, 559 minutes across half a season hardly amounted to the breakthrough he needed.
Back at Brentford this season, Nunes has yet to feature for the senior side. His two appearances have come in the EFL Trophy with Brentford B.
| Season | Club / Competition | Apps | Mins | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026/27 | Total | 2 | 135 | 0 | 1 |
| Brentford B – EFL Trophy | 2 | 135 | 0 | 1 | |
| 2025/26 | Total | 14 | 581 | 0 | 1 |
| Swansea – Championship | 12 | 559 | 0 | 1 | |
| Brentford – FA Cup | 1 | 20 | 0 | 0 | |
| Brentford – EFL Cup | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2024/25 | Total | 3 | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Brentford – Premier League | 3 | 11 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2024 | Total | 44 | 2,817 | 9 | 6 |
| Grêmio – Copa Libertadores | 7 | 214 | 2 | 1 | |
| Grêmio – Brazilian League | 20 | 1,235 | 3 | 1 | |
| Grêmio – Copa do Brasil | 3 | 168 | 1 | 0 | |
| Grêmio – State Championship | 10 | 840 | 1 | 2 | |
| Grêmio U20 – Brazilian Youth Cup | 4 | 360 | 2 | 2 |
The 2024 figures include youth football. Statistics supplied through November 2026.
A move that could suit everyone
Nunes was playing regularly for Grêmio before his move to England. In 2024, he contributed seven goals and four assists in 40 senior appearances, earning himself that expensive Premier League transfer.
Two years later, he still needs an opportunity to show what he can do consistently at senior level.
Palmeiras could offer a route back into regular competitive football, although any move would depend on reaching an agreement with Brentford.
The Bees face a financial decision too. They paid a considerable amount for his potential, and have barely had the chance to see it in their first team.
A loan could provide another opportunity to develop him. A permanent sale would bring the English chapter to an early close, with Grêmio’s retained stake another consideration.
For now, Palmeiras’ enquiry and the expectation of a Brazilian return suggest January could bring movement. Brentford have a decision to make about a player who has spent far more time waiting for his chance than actually taking it.
