Marcelo Paz outlines amicable exit terms for Corinthians midfielder José Martínez | OneFootball

Marcelo Paz, Corinthians’ football executive, said the club are finalising an amicable termination of José Martínez’s contract after Thursday’s win over Red Bull Bragantino. He explained the board chose a negotiated exit despite believing it had grounds for a unilateral break, and that the club will oversee the player’s surgery.

According to Meu Timao, the club will pay 30% of the Venezuelan’s wages from February to December 2026, excluding January. The remainder of his deal, which runs to the end of 2027, will not be paid. Corinthians will also cover the cost of an operation on the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

The 31-year-old reported back to CT Joaquim Grava more than a month late amid the need to reissue his passport in Venezuela under a club-approved plan. He then said he was unable to return after border closures during the political crisis, informing the club he applied for a new passport on 13 January.

During his holiday period, footage showed him playing in a festive match in Venezuela with protection on his left knee, and limping. The delay irritated coach Dorival Júnior and the board. Paz added that, while the midfielder had honoured the shirt and won trophies, disciplinary standards had to prevail.

He said the agreement is being drafted and will end Martínez’s deal, with the club assisting and monitoring his surgery and early recovery before he resumes football elsewhere. Martínez joined in August 2024 from Philadelphia Union for $2 million, making 70 appearances with two goals and two assists, and featuring in the 2025 Paulistão and Copa do Brasil triumphs.

Source: Meu Timao