Fernando Diniz wants trial spell as Corinthians futsal star eyes the pitch | OneFootball

Corinthians has begun an evaluation process for a possible switch of discipline for one of the standout players on its futsal team. Maicon, a 22-year-old winger, has started taking part in training sessions with the Under-20 field football team at the request of head coach Fernando Diniz. The information was first reported by TMC Esporte and confirmed by Central do Timão.

Although he is part of the professional squad of Corinthians’ futsal team, the player has previous experience on the field and is being observed in different roles during training. Maicon was initially used on both sides of the attack and, more recently, has also been given opportunities in midfield. Reports obtained by the outlet indicate that the athlete’s performances have made a positive impression in training.

Photo: Beto Miller/Ag. Corinthians

The period initially set with the Under-20 side ends this Friday (21), although there is a possibility that the winger could remain involved in activities for a few more days. Another scenario under consideration is a future integration into training with the professional squad led by Fernando Diniz. So far, however, there is no decision that Maicon will definitively leave the futsal court to pursue a career on the field.

The possibility of switching disciplines had already been addressed by the player himself recently. Speaking on the Walkcast podcast, Maicon said he is familiar with field football and admitted he would accept an opportunity to make the transition.

“I’ve always played on the field, my whole life. I’ve thought many times about trying to move to the field. It’s a matter of opportunity. The day I get a good opportunity, I wouldn’t hesitate (to switch disciplines),” he added.

Transfer bans could hinder a possible switch

Even if Maicon is approved during the evaluation period, Corinthians would face another obstacle in making him a field football player. Although he already belongs to the club, the athlete is not registered as a field player with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) or the São Paulo Football Federation (FPF). As a result, he would need to be registered as a new player.

The situation runs up against the three transfer bans that currently prevent Corinthians from registering players. The pending issues are related to the signing of José Martínez from Philadelphia Union, the overdue agreement at the National Chamber for Dispute Resolution (CNRD), and the acquisition of Charles from Denmark’s Midtjylland. According to the reported figures, the three cases amount to approximately R$21.9 million.

His age would also prevent any possible use of Maicon in official competitions intended for the Under-20 category. At 22 years old, training with the age group is therefore serving at this moment as a period of adaptation and evaluation for a possible continuation in field football.

Maicon has made more than 100 futsal appearances

Developed in Corinthians’ youth academy, Maicon joined the club’s professional futsal squad in 2023 and has built a standout career in the discipline. So far, the winger has recorded 119 appearances, 53 goals, and 21 assists in the black-and-white shirt. The player was also part of the squad that won the Mucho Más Tournament in 2025.

Although futsal players’ contracts are generally signed for one-year periods, Maicon is under contract with Corinthians until the end of 2027. While he takes part in field activities, his participation in the futsal team’s next match is still being discussed. Corinthians returns to the court next Thursday (27), when it faces Magnus away from home in the Paulista Championship.

The evaluation comes at a time when Fernando Diniz has limited alternatives in some attacking positions. Rodrigo Garro is the available option for the playmaker role, while Jesse Lingard and Zakaria Labyad are injured. Out wide, Breno Bidon has been used out of position on the left, a side that also includes Memphis Depay, while Kaio César and Dieguinho have been given opportunities on the right.

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