With a new deal signed, academy youngster eyes more chances at Corinthians | OneFootball

The young right-back João Vitor, known as ‘Jacaré’, is eagerly awaiting new opportunities with the Corinthians professional squad. He recently renewed his contract with the club until 2029.

The player had been training with the first team at CT Dr. Joaquim Grava for some time. However, due to his contractual situation, the management decided to hold him back to avoid another ‘Kauê Furquim case’. As a result, he did not receive any opportunities before agreeing to extend his contract.

The deal was confirmed by Timão last Monday. The 18-year-old received a salary increase, and his release clause for the domestic market was raised to R$ 72 million. For foreign clubs, the amount is set at 100 million euros (R$ 636 million at the current exchange rate).

(Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians)

Dorival keeping an eye

Dorival Júnior is keeping a close watch on Jacaré’s situation. However, for the youngster to get a chance among the professionals, he will have to convince the coach.

In a recent press conference, the coach indicated that the full-back was not yet ready. He joined the professional squad later than other “Filhos do Terrão” (homegrown talents), such as Gui Negão, Kayke, and Luiz Gustavo Bahia.

“Regarding the right-back position, we recently brought in Jacaré. He’s still a bit behind compared to the work done with the other youngsters, like Bahia, Gui, Kayke, André. He needs a bit more experience and work to develop important behaviors,” said Dorival.

Possible solution

João Vitor could become an in-house solution for a major gap in the Corinthians squad. Currently, the club does not have a backup for the starter Matheuzinho. It’s worth noting that Timão loaned another youth player, Léo Mana, to Criciúma.

Recently, Matheuzinho was sidelined due to a strain in his right thigh, which caused a major headache for Dorival. He even tried improvising Félix Torres, but the Ecuadorian lost favor with the fans after a series of poor performances.

As a result, in the derby against Palmeiras, the team’s last match before the FIFA break, Charles was chosen for the position. Playing out of position, the midfielder ended up conceding a penalty.

Few opportunities

Jacaré has not had many chances to prove himself in the Corinthians first team. He has only played in two matches, both in this year’s Paulistão, still during the Ramón Díaz era.

Corinthians’ next match

Match situation

With a 1-0 win in the first leg in Curitiba, Timão only needs a draw to advance to the semifinals. If they lose by one goal, the match will go to penalties. A defeat by two or more goals will eliminate the team from São Paulo.

The winner of this tie will face the winner of the Cruzeiro vs Atlético-MG matchup in the next round. Cruzeiro won the first leg and will play the decisive match at home, in Mineirão.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.