Kaio César joins Corinthians on loan from Al-Hilal with option to buy | OneFootball

Kaio César has joined Corinthians on loan from Al-Hilal until the end of the season. The agreement includes an option to buy set at six million euros for 50% of his economic rights, with Corinthians paying his wages. He remains contracted to the Saudi club until June 2028.

According to Meu Timao, the 21-year-old had been monitored since last year, but a FIFA transfer ban stalled negotiations. He is the club’s fourth signing of the window after Gabriel Paulista, Matheus Pereira and Pedro Milans, while goalkeeper João Ricardo is scheduled for medicals between March and April.

Born in Maceió, he joined Coritiba at 14 and became a standout in the academy, winning the Copa do Brasil Sub-20 in 2021 and the Paranaense Sub-20 in 2022. Promoted in 2023, he finished that season with 36 appearances and three goals as Coritiba were relegated.

After the Copinha in 2024, he moved to Vitória de Guimarães, first on loan and then permanently. Coritiba received 1.5 million euros for 60% of his rights, plus 300 thousand euros. In 2024/25 he logged 17 league games, two goals and three assists, and one goal in six Conference League matches.

His form prompted a January 2025 transfer to Al-Hilal for nine million euros. Competition limited his minutes, though he played 39 times, scoring four goals and adding six assists, and helped secure the 2024 domestic treble. A quick, 1.68m winger who prefers the right, he can operate across the frontline.

Source: Meu Timao