Paulinho says Corinthians contacted him over executive role, chooses to stay at Mirassol | OneFootball

Paulinho says he was contacted by Corinthians about their vacant executive role after Fabinho Soldado left, but the Mirassol executive chose to continue with his current project.

“Some important people at Corinthians called me and asked some questions. I have always shown gratitude in my life and career. With a new challenge at Mirassol and Libertadores qualification, you think about all that before any move,” he said. He told Esportes Record.

“I received another invite from Chinese football to be CEO of an important team. I sit with the family, think and analyse whether it is the right moment, it is an important challenge in a country I know very well,” he added.

Mirassol ended their first ever top-flight campaign in 2025 in fourth on 67 points, securing a direct spot in the 2026 Libertadores group stage. The historic run prompted several departures, and Paulinho has led a rebuild with 14 signings. They opened the 2026 Paulista with a 3-0 win over São Paulo.

Despite the links, Corinthians appointed Marcelo Paz as executive of football. The former Fortaleza CEO started on 27 December and has been shaping the 2026 squad.

Since transfer bans were lifted last week, the club have signed centre-back Gabriel Paulista, 35, from Besiktas in Türkiye. They also have an agreement in progress for a loan with an option to buy for Matheus Pereira, 27, from Fortaleza.

Source: Meu Timao