Kauã Moraes, a 19-year-old right-back, was a major signing for Cruzeiro in the second half of 2025, with the club paying a R$ 10 million release clause to sign him from Athletico-PR. However, since the World Cup, Moraes has lost his place in the team, playing less than 20 minutes in the last 15 games and last appearing on July 26.
Globo Esporte Futebol reports that Moraes was initially expected to gain more playing time after Fagner's injury, but the situation did not materialize. The club had signed Gabriel Rojas as a replacement, but he has yet to establish himself as a regular starter. Meanwhile, Lucas Villalba, a centre-back, has taken over at left-back, and Matias Viña, on loan from Flamengo, has also been given opportunities in the position.
The situation may change in the long term, as Fagner, Villalba, Viña, and William all have contracts that expire in December.