Matheus Pereira hails João Ricardo and highlights friendship amid possible Corinthians move | OneFootball

Matheus Pereira was officially unveiled as a Corinthians signing on Tuesday and used his presentation to praise goalkeeper João Ricardo and underline their bond from Fortaleza.

According to Meu Timao, Corinthians have a deal lined up for the 37-year-old to join in March 2026, with formalisation and presentation dependent on full recovery from right shoulder surgery in October and final medical tests.

Pereira described João Ricardo as a top goalkeeper and an important figure at Fortaleza, adding that, if he arrives, he would be extremely important for Corinthians. He said they remain in touch and have become friends.

The pair worked together during the closing months of 2025 at Fortaleza. Despite the club’s relegation to the second tier of the Brasileiro, both were among the few positives.

Corinthians have targeted a seasoned back-up for Hugo Souza. The other options are academy products Felipe Longo, Kauê and Matheus Donelli, and Donelli is not in Dorival Júnior’s plans.

João Ricardo is contracted to Fortaleza until the end of 2027, but he is unlikely to remain as his salary is considered high for a club preparing for Série B in 2026.

Pereira, a Corinthians academy graduate, has returned on loan from Fortaleza until the end of the year with an option to buy. The move cost R$ 1.8 million, payable in 10 instalments of R$ 180,000. He made his second debut in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with São Paulo at Neo Química Arena.

Source: Meu Timao