Corinthians in talks to lift transfer ban as debt payments accelerate | OneFootball

Corinthians have reopened talks with Santos Laguna to agree a payment that could lift a Fifa transfer ban imposed since August, as the board speeds up debt settlements.

The club recently paid R$ 41.2 million owed to Matías Rojas, a case that led to Fifa and CAS rulings. It also sent R$ 7.2 million for the third CNRD instalment to try to end a CBF ban active since October.

Focus now is the debt owed to Santos Laguna for the signing of Félix Torres, with the exact deposit still to be agreed. An initial ruling set US$ 6.145 million, about R$ 33 million, and in August last year president Osmar Stabile put it near R$ 40 million. The total may vary with the dollar and interest.

Stabile first promised payment in December 2025, then by 5 January, both missed. He now says the impasse should be resolved in the coming days.

The board have had to organise finances despite league income, Copa do Brasil prize money and a R$ 70 million loan. Recruitment planning continues for when the Fifa and CBF bans are lifted.

Targets are free agents or low cost deals. Gabriel Paulista, who ended his Besiktas contract and returned to Brazil, is in talks.

The club aim to cut the wage bill and avoid fees, as with Fabrizio Angileri and Vitinho arriving at no cost last year.

"Obviously we will build a very competitive team. I do not promise major signings," he said in an interview with Ulisses TV.

"Corinthians cannot keep spending money on this."

Source: Globo.com