Corinthians lines up new deal for Under-20 star with big release clause | OneFootball

Corinthians have agreed to a contract renewal for Luiz Fernando, known as Luizinho, one of the standout players of the club’s Under-20 team this season. The new deal for the 19-year-old forward will run until September 2029 and includes a salary increase, as well as a higher release clause for foreign clubs. The signing is expected to take place in the coming days. The information was first reported by Itatiaia.

The agreement extends the player’s stay by nearly two years beyond the term set in his current contract. The existing deal was signed in December 2024 and runs until the end of 2027. With the renewal on track, Timão is also moving to protect one of the main assets from its youth academy.

Photo: Rodrigo Gazzanel / Corinthians

Under the new contract, the release clause for foreign teams will be set at 100 million euros, approximately R$ 592.4 million at the exchange rate used by Itatiaia. For the Brazilian market, the amount will be R$ 70 million.

First-team opportunities influence Corinthians’ plans

Before the renewal agreement, the possibility of Luizinho leaving Parque São Jorge on loan had been considered. Apoel of Cyprus and São Bernardo showed interest in the forward, but a move did not materialize.

The player’s situation within Corinthians has also changed in recent weeks. Luizinho has started joining activities with the first-team squad and is on coach Fernando Diniz’s radar.

The forward was even included in the squad for the derby against Santos, played on August 30. His growing proximity to the senior team comes amid the standout performances the youngster has been delivering in the youth ranks.

Luizinho leads Under-20 attacking output

Since the end of the Copinha, Luiz Fernando has recorded 18 goals and eight assists in 33 matches for the Under-20 team. The forward started 30 of those games and was directly involved in 26 goals during that period.

These numbers make the youngster the team’s top scorer in the category and help explain Corinthians’ move to extend his contract and set new protective figures for a possible future transfer. While earning more space in first-team training, Luizinho remains available to Timãozinho in youth competitions.

Corinthians Under-20 take the field this Friday (25) when they host XV de Jaú in the second leg of the second round of the Paulista Championship. The black-and-white side hold the advantage after winning the first match 3-2 and will look to secure qualification for the next stage of the state competition.

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