Corinthians keeper extends loan, awaits clearance for Shabab Al Ahli | OneFootball

Goalkeeper Matheus Donelli will remain in football in the United Arab Emirates until the end of 2026. Central do Timão has learned that the player’s loan to Shabab Al Ahli has been extended until December 31 of this year, as предусмотрed in the agreement signed between the parties.

Donelli moved to Emirati football in February this year in a deal initially structured for six months, but which included a contractual trigger to extend the spell. That clause was activated and secured the goalkeeper’s stay at the club until the end of the year.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

This season, Shabab Al Ahli competed for the national league title but finished as runners-up, ten points behind Al-Ain, the competition’s champions. Even so, the team secured a place in the next edition of the AFC Champions League. During the initial loan period, Donelli did not play or make any official matchday squads.

That situation, however, had already been expected since his arrival in the United Arab Emirates on February 7. The goalkeeper and his staff were aware that he would not be able to play immediately due to local rules for the position.

In the United Arab Emirates, foreign goalkeepers need to obtain a passport and the documentation required by local authorities in order to be registered and cleared to play in competitions. The process is considered bureaucratic and has been handled by the player’s staff together with the club.

While awaiting registration, the 24-year-old goalkeeper is going through a period of adaptation to the new country, the club, and the local game. The expectation is that the situation will be resolved during the second half of the year, when the goalkeeper should begin to be included in Shabab Al Ahli’s matchday squads.

Internally, the assessment of the Brazilian is positive, and the club is sticking to the plan laid out since his arrival. In addition to his stay already being guaranteed until December, there is also the possibility of a permanent transfer at the end of the loan.

A product of Corinthians’ youth academy, Donelli lost space in the first-team squad last season and was looking for an opportunity to get more playing time and continue his career. His last call-up for a match came in a 1-0 win over Vitória in the 2025 Brazilian Championship. The goalkeeper is under contract with Corinthians until June 30, 2028.

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