Corinthians ‘to sign’ João Ricardo on loan, medicals awaited | OneFootball

O Povo reports that Corinthians have advanced talks to sign Fortaleza goalkeeper João Ricardo on loan until the end of 2026. There is mutual interest between the parties.

Any announcement and presentation are scheduled for March. The club want the 37-year-old to complete his recovery from right-shoulder surgery in October, and will only sign once final medicals are cleared.

The move would bring in an experienced deputy to Hugo Souza. Current alternatives are academy products Matheus Donelli, Felipe Longo and Kauê.

Although under contract at Fortaleza to the end of 2027, it was expected he would depart, with his wages seen as high for a club set for Série B.

Head coach Dorival Júnior has said he wants at least two good players per position to foster healthy competition, speaking to Café do Setorista. João Ricardo previously worked with Dorival at Ceará in 2022.

Last season he made 34 appearances for Fortaleza and conceded 36 goals. In the league campaign that ended in relegation, he played 14 times, conceded 18 and made 54 saves, 29 from shots inside the box and 25 from outside.

Corinthians have already strengthened at the back with centre-back Gabriel Paulista and defensive midfielder Matheus Pereira. Deals for right-back Pedro Milans and forward Kaio César from Al-Hilal are also advanced.

Source: Meu Timao