Corinthians close in on new deal for Under-20 top scorer | OneFootball

Corinthians have made progress in renewing the contract of forward Luiz Fernando ‘Luizinho’, one of the standout players in Timão’s Under-20 squad over the past two seasons. According to reporting by Central do Timão, the player’s representatives and the club have moved forward on extending the youngster’s deal, which currently runs until December 2027.

The renewal, however, does not necessarily mean the player will remain at Parque São Jorge. The report also learned that Luizinho could be loaned out during this transfer window in search of more experience and playing time at the professional level. According to information published by Lance! in recent weeks, the winger has been drawing interest from clubs in Eastern Europe.

Photo: Rodrigo Gazzanel/Agência Corinthians

The Under-20 team’s top scorer this season with 12 goals in 27 matches, the 18-year-old forward joined Corinthians at age 12 after spells with CATS, from Taboão da Serra, and RB Brasil, progressing through every level of the club. At the Under-17 level, for example, he scored 17 goals in 49 matches — 31 wins, six draws, and 12 losses.

In 2024, when he was just 16, he made his debut for the Under-20 side, which at the time was dealing with squad-building issues and needed to rely on players from younger age groups. That same year, he also took part in training sessions with the senior squad under Ramón Díaz and was included in the matchday squad for games against Vitória (A – 2 x 1) and Cruzeiro (H – 2 x 1) in that year’s Brasileirão.

In 95 Under-20 matches — 42 wins, 25 draws, and 28 losses — he has scored 26 goals. In 2025, he was also the top scorer for the Filhos do Terrão with 10 goals in 39 games. With his dribbling and pace, Luizinho could become an option for Fernando Diniz as a speedy wide player. In the current squad, only 22-year-old Kaio César has that profile.

Meanwhile, in March 2026, he returned to training with the first team, still when the side was managed by Dorival Júnior, who would leave the position a few weeks later. Now, under Fernando Diniz, he has once again been integrated into first-team activities and could become a homegrown attacking option, since the club has been barred by FIFA from signing players.

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