Matheus Pereira joins Corinthians, eyes fresh start at the club

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Central do Timão

·20 January 2026

Matheus Pereira joins Corinthians, eyes fresh start at the club

By Henrique Pereira / Central do Timão Editorial Team

On the afternoon of this Tuesday (20th), midfielder Matheus Pereira was officially introduced as a reinforcement for Corinthians in a press conference held at CT Dr. Joaquim Grava. After posing alongside Marcelo Paz, football executive, and president Osmar Stabile, the player spoke about his growth during the time away from the club and celebrated the opportunity to write a new chapter.

"Upon my return, you can expect a much more mature Matheus, much more experienced than during my first stint. As I said, it’s been 10 years away, so I had the chance to mature a lot, especially abroad, and you can expect a more mature, more competitive, more focused Matheus in everything he wants.", began the new number 23 of Corinthians.

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Photo: Vinicios Cotrim/Central do Timão

"I think I could have delivered much more than I did in my first stint. And my return is precisely for that, to continue my story at this club, to win with this club, as I have a desire to achieve many things and make my history.", he continued.

"Of course, I think today I feel much more prepared than ten years ago, as I said, these ten years have made me evolve a lot as a person, as a player, so now I feel much more ready. And I'm here to do my best, help Corinthians, help my teammates and of course, I always strive to do my best and here it has to be the chance of my life, given the size of Corinthians I have to give my best always.", he added.

Asked about what he missed most about Corinthians, Matheus Pereira made sure to mention the fans. The midfielder revealed that he wished to receive the support of the Fiel while watching from afar and highlighted the strength of the supporters.

"What I missed the most is the fans, the affection of the fans, the warmth, the strength, and the energy they transmit during the games, so that's what I missed the most watching from afar. It was also what I followed the most and was most anxious (to reunite with).", he said.

Matheus Pereira became the second confirmed reinforcement for Corinthians for the 2026 season. The midfielder was signed on loan from Fortaleza until the end of the year, with a purchase option clause. The player even wore the black-and-white jersey again last Sunday, when he took the field in the 1-1 draw with São Paulo at Neo Química Arena.

A product of the club's youth academy, Matheus Pereira is a familiar name to the Corinthians fans and begins his second stint at Parque São Jorge. In 2015, he played in three matches for the main team before transferring. Since then, he has gained experience with Juventus, Empoli, Bordeaux II, Paraná, Juventus B, Dijon, Barcelona B, and Eibar, before returning to Brazil to play for Fortaleza.

Besides the midfielder, Corinthians also officially announced the arrival of defender Gabriel Paulista, who made his debut in the 3-0 defeat against Red Bull Bragantino. The club's management is still working to finalize the signings of forward Kaio César, owned by Al-Hilal, and right-back Pedro Milans, who watched the classic against São Paulo from a box at Neo Química Arena. Meanwhile, the club remains attentive to the situation of midfielder Alisson from São Paulo, a request from coach Dorival Júnior.

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