Matheus Pereira praises João Ricardo, highlights Fortaleza bond amid Corinthians talks | OneFootball

Matheus Pereira was unveiled by Corinthians on Tuesday and praised goalkeeper João Ricardo, his former Fortaleza team-mate. He called him a top keeper, vital to Fortaleza, and said that if he does arrive he would be very important for Corinthians. He added they are in contact and have become friends.

According to Meu Timao, talks are advanced for João Ricardo to join in March 2026, with any deal only to be confirmed then. Corinthians are waiting for the 37-year-old to complete recovery from right shoulder surgery in October, and will sign off only after final medical tests.

Pereira and João Ricardo played together during the closing months of 2025 at Fortaleza. Despite relegation, both were viewed as rare positives in the campaign.

Corinthians have monitored João Ricardo to add experience behind Hugo Souza. Other options are academy products Felipe Longo, Kauê and Matheus Donelli, with the latter not in Dorival Júnior’s plans.

Although contracted to Fortaleza until the end of 2027, he may not remain there, with his salary considered high for the club’s current situation. Fortaleza will compete in Série B in 2026.

Pereira, a Corinthians academy graduate, has returned on loan from Fortaleza until the end of the year, with an option to buy. The agreement is worth R$ 1.8 million, payable in 10 instalments of R$ 180 thousand. He made his re-debut in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with São Paulo at Neo Química Arena.

Source: Meu Timao