Defender to arrive in São Paulo for Corinthians talks this weekend

In partnership with

Central do Timão

·7 January 2026

Defender to arrive in São Paulo for Corinthians talks this weekend

By Ciro Hey and Henrique Pereira / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Despite still being punished with a transfer ban by FIFA, Corinthians continues to move in the market seeking to strengthen its squad for the season. One of Timão's targets is the defender Gabriel Paulista, 35 years old, who terminated his contract with Besiktas, Turkey, and is already negotiating with the Alvinegro.

According to the Central do Timão, the defender is expected in São Paulo at the end of this week, on Friday (9), to meet with the club's management and advance negotiations in person.

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Photo: Instagram Reproduction Gabriel Paulista

A declared Corinthians fan, the defender has already expressed in interviews and on social media his desire to wear the Alvinegro jersey. Although internally the position is not considered a priority in the planning for 2026, the player fits the profile sought by the club: free agents in the market who do not represent acquisition costs.

Until recently, the contract with Besiktas was valid until 2027, a factor that made negotiations with Corinthians difficult. In two seasons in Turkish football, the defender played 45 matches, scored one goal, and provided three assists. Now without a contract, Gabriel Paulista, according to ge.globo, would be willing to make financial concessions to facilitate an agreement with the club from Parque São Jorge.

The possible arrival of the defender comes amid a scenario of changes in the sector. Ecuadorian Félix Torres is expected to leave Corinthians, as the management seeks to negotiate him to reduce the payroll and recover part of the investment made in his signing two years ago.

Between August and December 2026, Félix Torres lost space under the command of Dorival Júnior and played only twice. During the same period, he was called up by the Ecuadorian National Team but played in only one match. Currently, besides the number 3 jersey, the Alvinegro squad includes Gustavo Henrique, André Ramalho, Cacá, and João Pedro Tchoca for the position.

Revealed by Vitória, where he debuted as a professional in 2010 before being transferred in 2013, Gabriel Paulista built his career in European football. Besides Besiktas, the defender played for Villarreal, Arsenal, Valencia, and Atlético de Madrid, clubs he played for between 2013 and 2024, with a notable long stint in Spanish football.

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