Fluminense has made it official: the club announced the signing of veteran striker Hulk on Tuesday night. The 39-year-old forward, who will turn 40 on July 25, is set to bring his powerful style and experience to Rio de Janeiro.

While the exact length of the contract hasn't been disclosed, reports indicate it will likely run through December of next year. Fans will have to wait a bit longer to see him in action, though—Hulk won't be eligible to play until after the Brasileirão break for the World Cup. The next transfer window opens on July 20, so his debut will come after that date.

This signing has been a long time coming. Fluminense had their eyes on Hulk since the start of the season, but initial talks stalled due to the demands from his former club, Atlético Mineiro. Hulk remained in Belo Horizonte but struggled to find his form, and tensions at the club began to mount. It wasn't until after his 12th league match that he became a target again, eventually leading to his contract termination with Atlético.

Hulk leaves behind an impressive legacy at his former club: 140 goals and 55 assists in 311 matches, along with a Brasileirão title (2021), Copa do Brasil (2021), Supercopa do Brasil (2022), and five state championships. It's a resume that speaks to his enduring quality, even as he approaches his 40s.

Interestingly, Hulk won't be a stranger in the Fluminense locker room. He's already shared the pitch with five current Tricolor players during his time at Atlético: Guga, Guilherme Arana, Igor Rabello, Otávio, and Savarino. The Venezuelan attacking midfielder, Savarino, is the only one who didn't join Fluminense directly from Atlético. There's also Ganso—a familiar face from their time together on the Brazilian national team and at the 2012 Olympic Games. Another connection is Samuel Xavier, who played for Atlético in 2018.

For Fluminense, this signing adds not just a proven goal-scorer but a player who already knows how to connect with his new teammates. As the club looks to make a push in the second half of the season, Hulk's experience and leadership could be the missing piece. It's a move that has fans buzzing—and for good reason.