Corinthians enter transfer window run-in with sales target unmet | OneFootball

Corinthians are entering the final days of the main international transfer windows under pressure from the need to generate revenue through player sales. According to Rádio Itatiaia, the club set a target of close to R$ 150 million in sales of economic rights in its 2026 budget, but it is still looking for deals that can bring the club’s cash flow closer to the projected amount for the season.

The situation takes on added urgency because some of the most important markets in European football are close to closing their transfer windows. England, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France will shut their main windows between the end of August and September 1. As a result, Corinthians have only a few days left to move forward in any talks involving their main assets.

Photo: Rodrigo Gazzanel/Agência Corinthians

However, the board will still have alternatives after that period. Other markets will remain open throughout September and, in some cases, even into October. The Netherlands and the United States close their windows in early September, while countries such as Turkey, Ukraine, Russia, and Portugal offer a longer deadline. In Brazil, the registration period ends on September 11.

The need to raise funds goes beyond simply meeting the budget forecast. Corinthians are going through financial difficulties and are currently dealing with three transfer bans, two imposed by FIFA and another by the National Chamber for Dispute Resolution (CNRD) of the CBF. As long as the sanctions remain in effect, the club will not be able to register new players.

In July, Corinthians executive football director Marcelo Paz had already publicly acknowledged that the club would need to make sales. At the time, the executive also said he saw movement in the market.

“Yes, yes, we’ll have to sell. There are real inquiries, and from my market experience and from what I’m seeing now, the market is heating up.”

Main squad assets

Among the players with the greatest potential to generate a deal is Yuri Alberto. Corinthians own 50% of the striker’s economic rights and, according to Itatiaia, expect to receive approximately 20 million euros, around R$ 118 million, for their share in a potential transfer.

The No. 9 has already admitted the possibility of leaving Parque São Jorge if an offer considered positive for all parties appears. At the moment, however, Yuri Alberto is recovering from a grade 2 injury to the back of his thigh.

Another name highly valued internally is Hugo Souza. Also according to Itatiaia, the board’s assessment is that the goalkeeper has a market value of at least 13 million euros, approximately R$ 77 million.

Breno Bidon and André Luiz also appear among the young players valued in the squad. During the current window, André attracted interest from Juventus of Italy, but expectations of an official offer have not yet materialized. Like Yuri Alberto, the midfielder is sidelined with a grade 2 injury to the back of his thigh.

Other players have also come onto the market’s radar in recent months. Matheuzinho is among the valued athletes, while youngsters such as Gui Negão and Dieguinho have recently drawn attention.

Pedro Milans, in turn, received an approach from Argentinos Juniors. The Argentine club submitted an offer of $1.1 million, approximately R$ 5.6 million, for a loan with an obligation to buy, but Corinthians turned it down.

Final stretch could spark negotiations

Even without a major sale completed so far, the board is still betting on the typical late-window movement to receive offers. International negotiations usually accelerate close to the end of registration periods, a scenario that keeps expectations alive for bids for Corinthians’ main assets.

A potential transfer would also represent an important boost to the club’s finances at a time of financial hardship. In addition to the transfer bans, Corinthians have accumulated financial obligations and are seeking resources to reorganize their accounts.

In this way, the next few days will be important in determining how far the club can go toward reaching the target set for 2026. Even with markets that will remain open during September and October, the closing of Europe’s main leagues considerably reduces the number of possible destinations for players in the squad.

Check the window closing dates

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