Corinthians approach Spindel, considering ex-player for new role | OneFootball

By Tiago Salazar and André Costa

Corinthians has intensified its search for a new football executive following the departure of Fabinho Soldado. The board, led by Osmar Stabile, is working to close a deal with a replacement as soon as possible and has Bruno Spindel, former Flamengo executive, as its main target.

According to Gazeta Esportiva, talks with Spindel are advanced. However, Timão is still considering two other free agents in the market, whose names are being kept confidential. The intention of the club’s leadership is to define the new professional quickly so as not to compromise planning for the next season.

Bruno Spindel’s profile is appealing to president Osmar Stabile. At Flamengo, the executive focused on financial management, participated in strategic negotiations, and performed CEO-like duties. Despite this, some details still need to be resolved for the deal to be finalized.

(Photo: Alexandre Vidal/Flamengo)

Obstacles Along the Way

One of the main points of concern is the financial aspect. Spindel’s salary request is higher than the other candidates considered, which led Stabile to consult the finance department before making any progress.

The analysis is being conducted by André Lavieri, Corinthians’ financial manager, who maintains a good relationship with Spindel. Lavieri also provides services to Alvarez & Marsal, a consulting firm led by Fred Luz, who worked with Bruno at Flamengo. This connection, in fact, is causing discomfort among some people at Parque São Jorge.

Another sensitive factor is Spindel’s relationship with Dorival Júnior. The executive was part of management teams that fired the current Corinthians coach twice, in 2018 and 2022. In the second instance, Dorival left Flamengo even after winning the Copa Libertadores and the Copa do Brasil, being replaced by Vítor Pereira.

According to sources, Dorival will not oppose any decision made by the board. However, any future working relationship would require a rebuilding of their relationship.

New Role?

Bruno Spindel has a different profile from Fabinho Soldado. While the former Corinthians executive was responsible for logistics, locker room management, and shielding the training center, Spindel works more directly in negotiations and technical decisions.

Fabinho’s work, in fact, was considered essential to keep the squad away from the club’s political crisis, a factor seen internally as decisive for winning the fourth Copa do Brasil title.

Given this, Osmar Stabile is considering the possibility of hiring a specific manager to handle the day-to-day operations at CT Dr. Joaquim Grava, allowing Spindel to focus solely on negotiations. The board likes the idea of having a former player in this position, but does not consider it a priority at the moment. One of the names being considered is Paulinho, a former player for the São Paulo club and currently at Mirassol.

The urgency is in appointing the football executive. Corinthians expects to announce the new professional by next Monday, avoiding delays in the 2026 planning.

Behind the Scenes of Fabinho’s Departure

The decision for Fabinho Soldado to leave Corinthians was made well before the final stretch of the Copa do Brasil. About 40 days before the final, the executive met with Osmar Stabile and expressed his desire to leave.

The president tried to convince him to stay, but Fabinho did not even want to hear a counteroffer. Both parties then agreed to keep the departure secret until the end of the season.

The official announcement came two days after the title, and Fabinho has already bid farewell to the club on social media. The executive has received offers and Internacional is a possible destination.

  See this photo on Instagram   A post shared by Fabio de Jesus (Fabinho Soldado) (@fabinhosoldado.futebol)

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