Hugo Souza admits he was close to joining Santos before Corinthians | OneFootball

Hugo Souza says he almost joined Santos before signing for Corinthians, despite later playing a central role in their recent trophies.

He revealed the near-switch in a social media interview with influencer Silvonei Santos. According to Meu Timao, he held talks with Santos in 2024 and was close to moving to Baixada Santista.

Interest from Santos arose in June 2024, while they were in Série B and coping with João Paulo’s serious injury. At the time, Hugo belonged to Flamengo and was on loan at Chaves in Portugal.

Around then Corinthians, having lost Cássio and Carlos Miguel, entered the race. They initially prioritised the Fortaleza goalkeeper Santos, but the Ceará club said he was not available.

Corinthians then made Hugo their Plan A and pushed a deal through. He was announced in July 2024, joining on loan from Flamengo with an option to buy, for a 200,000 euros fee, about R$ 1.19 million then.

In November 2024, Corinthians bought 50% of his economic rights for 800,000 dollars, roughly R$ 4.9 million. Esportes da Sorte helped fund the move, with the amount deducted monthly from sums otherwise due to the team.

Hugo has played 105 matches for Corinthians, winning 51, drawing 28 and losing 26. He was instrumental in the 2025 Campeonato Paulista and Copa do Brasil triumphs, and lifted the Supercopa Rei in early 2026.

Source: Meu Timao