Fagner set for first Corinthians reunion at Neo Química Arena since exit | OneFootball

Corinthians face Cruzeiro on Sunday night in the 23rd round at the Neo Química Arena, marking Fagner’s first reunion with the Fiel there since leaving.

According to Meu Timao, since joining Cruzeiro in 2025, the former number 23 has faced Corinthians only once, a 1-1 draw at Mineirão on 25 February after replacing Gerson.

On loan in 2025, with Matheuzinho established at right-back, Corinthians and Cruzeiro split his wages, and a clause barred him from facing Timão unless Cruzeiro paid about R$ 1 million, which they declined in league and cup.

After the loan, he briefly returned to Corinthians, then the deal was rescinded due to salary and Matheuzinho’s rise. The move was initiated by the player with Cruzeiro, who had a verbal agreement to sign him permanently from 2026. The exit eased Corinthians’ payroll by roughly R$ 8 million.

Cruzeiro goalkeeper Cássio, another Corinthians idol, is out for the season with a serious knee injury suffered early in the year.

Across two spells, Fagner played 578 games for Timão, scoring 12 and assisting 70. He won five trophies, the Campeonato Paulista in 2017, 2018 and 2019, and the Brasileirão in 2015 and 2017. An academy graduate, he ranks second for right-backs and second overall for Corinthians in the 21st century.

Source: Meu Timao

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