Kaïki Bruno joins Como: the Serie A Enilive summer transfer window heats up
After being among the busiest clubs in recent windows, the Lariani have opened their 2026/27 recruitment campaign with another signing that reflects the club's philosophy: investing in talented young players to strengthen an ambitious long-term project.
Having secured a historic qualification for the Champions League, Como have wasted no time in planning for next season. The club's hierarchy wanted to give Cesc Fàbregas a new addition as early as possible, allowing him to work with an increasingly complete and competitive squad from the very start of pre-season.
The new arrival is 23-year-old left-back Kaïki Bruno, who joins from Cruzeiro.
From futsal to Cruzeiro: Kaïki's rise
Kaïki began his football journey in futsal, the traditional Brazilian breeding ground for close control and dribbling ability. Initially deployed as an attacking midfielder and even as a centre-forward, he developed outstanding technical quality in tight spaces and a natural ability to beat opponents one-on-one.
His transition to the full-sized game came through Cruzeiro's academy, where he progressed through every age group before making his first-team debut while still a teenager. He broke into the senior side during one of the most challenging periods in the club's recent history, when Cruzeiro were competing in Brazil's Série B, initially dividing his time between the first team and the Under-20s.
At the same time, he established himself in Brazil's Under-20s. In 2023, he played a key role in their South American U-20 Championship triumph, providing both assists in the 2-0 victory over Uruguay that sealed the title.
Breakthrough in Brazil and recognition from Ancelotti
As Cruzeiro returned to Brazil's top flight, Kaïki's development accelerated. With each passing season, he earned more minutes, became an increasingly consistent performer and eventually established himself as a first-choice starter. He left A Raposa after making 129 appearances, scoring twice and providing 10 assists. He also gained valuable experience on the continental stage, featuring in both the Copa Sudamericana and the Copa Libertadores.
His progress also caught the attention of Carlo Ancelotti. In September 2025, Brazil's head coach named him in the preliminary squad for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia.
His first official call-up followed six months later, in March 2026, when Alex Sandro's injury opened the door for Kaïki to join the group for the friendlies against France and Croatia. He made his senior Seleção debut against Croatia, coming on for the final 15 minutes.
A Brazilian full-back for Fàbregas' project
Kaïki is the modern Brazilian full-back. Quick, fearless in one-on-one situations and an accomplished dribbler, he naturally looks to support attacks all the way into the final third. At the same time, he combines his attacking qualities with growing defensive maturity, standing out for his ball recoveries, interceptions and success in individual duels.
His arrival allows Como to replace Alberto Moreno, who left the club after his contract expired, while adding a new option on the left flank. The Brazilian will further lower the average age of Como's defence and compete with Alex Valle, currently the squad's only other natural left-back.
Continuing Como's Brazilian tradition
Kaïki's arrival also strengthens Como's long-standing connection with Brazilian football. Dirceu and Milton Luiz were both key figures for the club in the second half of the 1980s, the latter still holding the record for most appearances by a Brazilian in Como's history with 62 games across Serie A and Serie B. More recently, names such as Gabriel Strefezza and Diego Carlos have continued that tradition, with the Lariani often looking to Brazil for influential players. Kaïki now hopes to become the 14th Brazilian to wear the Como shirt.