Corinthians confirm Zakaria Labyad signing after Memphis recommendation | OneFootball

Corinthians have signed Moroccan midfielder Zakaria Labyad on a contract to the end of 2026, with an automatic extension to 2027 if targets are met, after a recommendation from Memphis.

According to Globo.com, the deal was agreed after he arrived in São Paulo on 8 February, when he watched the defeat to Palmeiras at Neo Química Arena.

The announcement was delayed while he secured a Brazilian work visa for the first time. He was registered on the CBF BID on Friday afternoon and is available for selection by Dorival Júnior.

Labyad is already training at CT Joaquim Grava and will only feature once fit. In a press conference, head coach Dorival Júnior said he had not requested the signing and was unhappy with suggestions otherwise.

There were internal doubts around president Osmar Stabile’s circle due to his recent form, injury record and two seasons in China. Despite some contrary recommendations, including from players who had worked with him, the club judged it a worthwhile gamble given no fee and a salary within the club’s new financial standard.

Memphis welcomed him on Instagram, calling Corinthians the biggest club in Latin America and targeting more trophies together.

He came through PSV’s academy, then played for Sporting, FC Utrecht and Ajax before spells with Yunnan Yukun and Dalian Yingbo FC in China.

He recorded 25 matches, six goals and four assists last year, and 31 games, six goals and nine assists in 2024. He is Corinthians’ sixth signing of the season.

Source: Globo.com