Fulham striker opens up on almost leaving as Brazil return speculation gathers momentum
Fulham could once again find themselves facing uncertainty over the future of Rodrigo Muniz, with fresh revelations suggesting that the Brazilian striker came remarkably close to leaving Craven Cottage for a return to his homeland.
The 25-year-old has reportedly considered ending his spell in England before, and comments attributed to him during a recent conversation with an ESPN Brazil journalist have brought the possibility of an exit back into the spotlight.
While his immediate future remains unclear, there are growing indications that his personal circumstances could play an important role in whatever decision he eventually makes. With his wife expecting a baby and her family based in Brazil, the prospect of returning closer to home may become increasingly appealing.
There is, however, no suggestion that a transfer is imminent. Nevertheless, Muniz’s admission that he previously came close to departing Fulham has provided fresh fuel for speculation about his long-term future.
Muniz reveals he was close to leaving Fulham
Details of Muniz’s previous consideration of a move back to Brazil have emerged through ESPN Brazil journalist Mário Marra, who shared an account of his conversation with the striker following Fulham’s 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the League Cup.
Muniz featured for the entire 90 minutes but endured a frustrating evening, failing to convert an opportunity that could have helped his side avoid defeat.
According to Marra, the Brazilian forward appeared visibly disappointed after the match. However, his mood seemed to improve considerably when he encountered fellow Brazilians, creating an opportunity for a conversation about his situation in England.
The journalist recalled how an elderly gentleman approached Muniz after the game, embraced him and encouraged him to remain patient and maintain his faith, assuring him that better moments would eventually come.
Marra also explained that Muniz had been particularly disappointed with his performance, having received an opportunity to make an impact but failing to take advantage of it.
Interestingly, the striker’s attitude reportedly changed when he noticed other Brazilians around him. He became more enthusiastic, appeared happier and was keen to engage in conversation.
It was during this exchange that the discussion eventually shifted towards his future, particularly the previous interest from Brazilian sides Atlético Mineiro and Cruzeiro.
Both clubs are based in Minas Gerais, the same Brazilian state where Muniz has strong family connections.
When Marra brought up their previous interest, the Fulham forward reportedly made a revealing admission.
“Yes, I know. I almost went, but my wife said we should stay a little longer to fulfil the dream,” Muniz reportedly responded.
The comment suggests that a return to Brazil was considerably closer to becoming a reality than many supporters might have realised. It also indicates that the decision to remain in England was influenced by family considerations rather than being based exclusively on his footballing ambitions.
Muniz’s declining numbers raise further questions
Away from the personal circumstances surrounding his future, Muniz’s performances have also contributed to the growing uncertainty about his position at Fulham.
The Brazilian enjoyed two encouraging Premier League campaigns, gradually establishing himself as a useful attacking option and demonstrating that he possessed the qualities needed to compete at the highest level of English football.
However, his progress has not continued at the same pace, with his goalscoring output experiencing a noticeable decline during the 2025/26 campaign.
After registering 21 Premier League goals across the previous two seasons, Muniz managed just one goal in 25 appearances during the campaign, a significant drop that inevitably raised questions about his form and effectiveness.
His reduced involvement has also become increasingly noticeable, with his overall playing time falling considerably compared to his earlier seasons.
Here is a breakdown of his Premier League statistics:
| Season | Appearances | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
| ——– | ———– | ——- | —– | ——- |
| 2023/24 | 33 | 2,032 | 10 | 1 |
| 2024/25 | 36 | 1,370 | 11 | 2 |
| 2025/26 | 25 | 1,193 | 1 | 1 |
| 2026/27* | 10 | 313 | 2 | 0 |
\*2026/27 campaign ongoing.
Although Muniz has already found the net twice in the ongoing campaign, his limited involvement, amounting to just 313 minutes, suggests that regular playing opportunities remain difficult to secure.
For a striker who previously demonstrated an ability to contribute goals consistently, such a situation is unlikely to be entirely satisfying.
His reduced influence could therefore become another factor in determining whether he continues fighting for his place in Marco Silva’s plans or begins considering opportunities elsewhere.
Family circumstances could influence his next decision
Perhaps the most significant aspect of Marra’s revelation concerns Muniz’s family situation, which could have a considerable influence on his thinking about the future.
The journalist disclosed that the striker’s wife is currently pregnant, bringing additional family considerations into an already important period of his career.
Although the couple have established a support network in England, including through the church community they attend, there is an obvious difference between having support around them and being close to immediate family.
Muniz’s wife’s relatives are based in Belo Horizonte, in Minas Gerais, meaning that a return to Brazil could offer the couple the opportunity to enjoy greater family support during this important stage of their lives.
Marra appeared particularly interested in the possibility of a Brazilian return, ending his account with the pointed remark, “Here’s a tip!”, seemingly directing the attention of Atlético Mineiro and Cruzeiro towards the Fulham striker.
However, it is important to distinguish the journalist’s suggestion from any confirmed development involving the player.
Muniz has not publicly announced an intention to leave Fulham, while there is currently no indication that either Atlético Mineiro or Cruzeiro has initiated formal negotiations for his signature.
Flamengo rumours add another dimension to Muniz’s uncertain future
The latest revelation also arrives amid previous speculation linking Muniz with a possible return to Brazil.
Flamengo have recently been mentioned in reports surrounding the striker’s future, with suggestions that the Brazilian giants could be interested in bringing him back to his homeland.
Those claims, however, were subsequently played down by several Brazilian journalists, meaning there is little concrete evidence to suggest that a move to Flamengo is currently developing.
Nevertheless, the emergence of Marra’s account has given the wider transfer discussion a new dimension.
Unlike speculation based purely on reported club interest, this latest development includes an alleged admission from Muniz himself that he previously came close to accepting an opportunity to leave England.
That does not necessarily mean he is actively looking for an exit, but it does reinforce the possibility that a return to Brazil remains an option he could revisit.
Fulham could face another difficult decision over Muniz
For Fulham, there is no immediate transfer development that demands a response, but the circumstances surrounding Muniz’s future are becoming increasingly interesting.
The striker previously chose to remain in England, seemingly prioritising the opportunity to continue pursuing his European ambitions and fulfil what he and his wife reportedly considered an important shared dream.
However, circumstances can change, particularly with a growing family and the possibility of having relatives closer to provide support.
His recent goals may offer some encouragement that he can rediscover his best form, but his limited playing time and the uncertainty surrounding his longer-term role at Fulham could complicate matters.
Whether Atlético Mineiro, Cruzeiro or another Brazilian club eventually decides to test Fulham’s resolve remains to be seen.
For now, Muniz remains a Fulham player, and there is no confirmed indication that an exit is being negotiated.
But with the striker having already admitted that he nearly returned home once, the possibility of another chapter in Brazil is unlikely to disappear from the conversa
tion anytime soon.