Deportivo Toluca have secured the future of Brazilian attacker Helinho with a contract extension that will keep him at the club until June 2029. The deal, announced via an official statement, includes a salary increase and raises his release clause to $25 million, a move designed to deter strong international interest that materialised this summer with a bid from CSKA Moscow.
The renewal comes at a time of strong form for the team, who sit top of Liga MX with 19 points from nine games. The Diablos Rojos have won four of their last five matches, a run they hope to continue on September 26th with a visit to fourth-placed Cruz Azul.
A response to international interest
Toluca's decision to strengthen ties with the 26-year-old winger is a direct response to a concrete offer from Russian club CSKA Moscow, which was rejected by the board. The European side tabled a proposal worth $12 million, with $10 million fixed and $2 million in add-ons, which fell well short of the new clause set. Helinho, who joined Toluca in September 2024 from RB Bragantino for a fee over $15 million, has proven to be a key piece in the club's successful project.
In his 71 official appearances for the red shirt, the Brazilian has contributed 30 direct goal involvements, scoring 19 and providing 11 assists. His key moments include a goal in the Apertura 2025 final against Tigres and another in the Leagues Cup 2026 final against Rayados de Monterrey, contributing to a golden period that has seen Toluca win two league titles, the Concacaf Champions Cup and the Leagues Cup.
The club underlined the strategic importance of this renewal in its statement. "With this agreement, the mexiquense club secured one of the most valuable assets in national football and halts the strong interest from teams in the international market, while reaffirming the institution's commitment to continuing a project that has been more than successful," the entity stated. The new $25 million clause represents a $5 million increase from the previous one, establishing a clear financial barrier for any potential buyer.
With his future secured, Helinho now focuses on the immediate objective: maintaining the lead in Liga MX. The team, coming off a 3-2 loss to Santos Laguna, will look to bounce back in a tough clash against Cruz Azul. The Brazilian's contract, which originally expired at the end of 2028, is now valid for nearly four more years, closing a chapter of speculation and projecting stability in the Diablos' attack.
Read the full report at Record MX
