Corinthians reopen talks with Santos Laguna to settle FIFA transfer ban debt | OneFootball

Corinthians have reopened talks with Santos Laguna in a bid to settle the last obstacles tied to their FIFA transfer ban.

According to Meu Timao, the club are in late-stage negotiations to adjust the total debt, focusing on interest and charges, and aim to pay this week to help lift the sanction and resume 2026 planning. The sum is about R$ 40 million, linked to the signing of Ecuadorian defender Félix Torres.

Santos Laguna are insisting on the full amount and will not accept instalments. Corinthians are still seeking softer final terms by trimming some add-ons, mirroring a recent approach in another collection case.

Urgency stems from a delicate start to the year. Beyond FIFA’s sanction from the Santos Laguna action, Corinthians also face a domestic block from the CNRD due to a late instalment on agreements with other clubs.

To lift the CNRD block, they must pay the instalment due on 17 January and show improved financial conduct. Until then, they cannot register new players in Brazil. The transfer window opened on Monday.

The board have made the issue a top priority. Corinthians avoided another transfer ban by restructuring debt with Paraguayan midfielder Matías Rojas, cutting it from about R$ 49 million to around R$ 41 million after removing interest, fines and charges, with two instalments already paid.

Even so, the Santos Laguna case remains the immediate hurdle, and recruitment plans hinge on a swift resolution in the coming days.

Source: Meu Timao