Corinthians enquire about Fortaleza’s experienced keeper

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Central do Timão

·15 January 2026

Corinthians enquire about Fortaleza’s experienced keeper

By Henrique Pereira / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians is considering signing an experienced goalkeeper to join the squad as an immediate option to Hugo Souza. According to information released by Meu Timão, the name of João Ricardo, currently linked to Fortaleza, has started to be analyzed internally, and the athlete recently received an inquiry from the alvinegra board.

Despite the initial interest, the situation has not yet progressed to more advanced negotiations. The club only made a preliminary contact to check the conditions and the possibility of a deal involving the 37-year-old goalkeeper, who has a contract with Fortaleza valid until the end of 2027.

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Photo: Matheus Amorim / Fortaleza EC

Behind the scenes, the tendency is that João Ricardo will not continue at the Ceará club, mainly due to the high salary in relation to Fortaleza's current budget. Additionally, the player underwent surgery on his right shoulder tendon in October 2025 and is expected to return to the field only between March and April.

The search for a more experienced name for the position is aligned with coach Dorival Júnior's planning. In an interview with the channel Café do Setorista, the coach highlighted the desire to have at least two good-level options per position, promoting healthy competition within the squad. Today, besides Hugo Souza, Corinthians has young players Matheus Donelli, Felipe Longo, and Kauê, all from the youth categories.

Last season, João Ricardo played 34 times for Fortaleza and conceded 36 goals. In the Brazilian Championship — a competition that resulted in the relegation of the Ceará club — the goalkeeper participated in 14 matches, conceded 18 goals, and accumulated 54 saves, with 29 from shots inside the area and 25 from shots outside, according to Sofascore data.

It is worth remembering that João Ricardo has already worked with Dorival Júnior before. Both were together at Ceará in 2022, which could facilitate a potential approach between the parties.

While monitoring the market for the goalkeeper position, Corinthians is also advancing on other fronts. The club has already secured the signing of defender Gabriel Paulista, is finalizing the arrivals of right-back Pedro Milans and midfielder Matheus Pereira, and continues negotiations with forward Kaio César from Al-Hilal.

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