Corinthians enquire about Fortaleza’s experienced goalkeeper

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Central do Timão

·15 janvier 2026

Corinthians enquire about Fortaleza’s experienced goalkeeper

By Henrique Pereira / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians is considering signing an experienced goalkeeper to join the squad as an immediate backup option for Hugo Souza. According to information released by Meu Timão, the name of João Ricardo, currently with Fortaleza, has begun to be discussed internally and the player has recently been approached by the club’s board.

Despite the initial interest, the situation has not yet progressed to more advanced negotiations. The club has only made a preliminary inquiry to check the conditions and possibility of a deal involving the 37-year-old goalkeeper, who has a contract with Fortaleza valid until the end of 2027.

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Photo: Matheus Amorim / Fortaleza EC

Behind the scenes, the tendency is that João Ricardo will not remain at the Ceará club, mainly due to his high salary compared to Fortaleza’s current budget. In addition, the player underwent surgery on the tendon of his right shoulder in October 2025 and is expected to return to the field only between March and April.

The search for a more experienced name for the position is in line with coach Dorival Júnior’s planning. In an interview with the channel Café do Setorista, the coach highlighted his desire to have at least two good options for each position, promoting healthy competition within the squad. Currently, besides Hugo Souza, Corinthians has the young players Matheus Donelli, Felipe Longo, and Kauê, all from the youth academy.

Last season, João Ricardo played 34 matches for Fortaleza and conceded 36 goals. In the Brazilian Championship — the competition that resulted in the Ceará club’s relegation — the goalkeeper played 14 matches, conceded 18 goals, and made 54 saves, 29 from shots inside the box and 25 from outside, according to Sofascore data.

It’s worth noting that João Ricardo has already worked with Dorival Júnior before. Both were together at Ceará in 2022, which could facilitate a possible approach between the parties.

While monitoring the market for the goalkeeper position, Corinthians is also making progress on other fronts. The club has already secured the signing of defender Gabriel Paulista, is finalizing the arrivals of right-back Pedro Milans and midfielder Matheus Pereira, and continues negotiations with forward Kaio César from Al-Hilal.

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