Al-Hilal situation delays Kaio César’s arrival at Corinthians

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Central do Timão

·19 January 2026

Al-Hilal situation delays Kaio César’s arrival at Corinthians

By Henrique Vigliotti and Leonardo Rodrigues/ Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians is awaiting the arrival of forward Kaio César from Al Hilal this week, but the completion of the operation depends on the final signature from the Saudi club. Central do Timão has uncovered the details explaining the delay, which continue to affect the player's arrival in Brazil.

The last pending detail for Kaio César's trip to Brazil is Al Hilal's signature on the contractual draft authorizing the player's departure. The document was expected to be signed on Monday (19th), but due to the passing of someone close to the Saudi club's president, Al Hilal temporarily suspended its activities. As a result, Corinthians' plans to have the player by Tuesday (20th), as indicated by coach Dorival Júnior, have been momentarily postponed.

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Photo: Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Despite the delay, the athlete is still expected in Brazil this week, although not on Tuesday as initially planned. The agreement will be finalized as a one-season loan, with a payment of 500 thousand dollars (approximately R$ 3.1 million) for the loan, as initially reported by ge and confirmed by Central do Timão.

The contract also includes an option to purchase 50% of the player's economic rights for 6 million euros (approximately R$ 36.7 million), should Corinthians choose to keep him for future seasons.

In addition to Kaio César, Corinthians is also scouting other wingers, such as Gustavo Nunes, currently at Brentford, and Vitinho from Tijuana, Mexico. The negotiations also involve possible loans, in line with the minimal investment policy in transfers set by Marcelo Paz and Osmar Stabile for the 2026 season.

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