Como are strengthening both flanks of their defence this summer, agreeing a €15m deal for Cruzeiro left-back Kaiki and opening talks over a move for Palmeiras right-back Agustin Giay.
Kaiki, full name Kaiki Bruno da Silva, is regarded as one of the most promising products to emerge from Cruzeiro's academy in recent years. Born in 2003, the naturally left-footed defender came through the Toca da Raposa system and has since established himself as a regular fixture in the Belo Horizonte club's first team.
He did not start out as a full-back. As a child he played further forward, first as an attacking midfielder and later as an out-and-out striker, scoring 15 goals in a local youth tournament at the age of 10 that first caught Cruzeiro's attention. He also played futsal at Olimpico, also in Belo Horizonte, before being moved back to left-back in Cruzeiro's youth ranks, the position from which he eventually broke into the professional game.
Technically, Kaiki is a modern full-back: quick, energetic, comfortable carrying the ball on his stronger foot and capable of supporting attacks, even if he is not renowned for huge offensive output. His progress has been built primarily on the defensive side of his game.
One match that drew particular attention in Brazil came against Palmeiras in 2025, when Cruzeiro tasked Kaiki with marking Estevao, then closing in on a move to Chelsea. Kaiki said he had studied videos of his opponent in preparation, admitting how difficult it was to anticipate his movements. He delivered a disciplined performance, winning his individual battles and even providing an assist.
Como's other defensive target, Giay, is a 21-year-old Argentine also being monitored by Atletico Madrid and AS Roma. Scout Marco Palma described the player's profile to TMW Radio, highlighting his technique, pace and versatility across multiple defensive positions, including as a right-back in a back four, a wing-back, and even at centre-back.
Giay came through San Lorenzo's academy, making his top-flight debut at just 18, before Palmeiras paid around €8m to sign him in the summer of 2024. Palma compared his style to Arsenal's Ben White and placed his current market value at around €14m.