New goalkeeper: São Paulo offer led to last-minute change | OneFootball

The only two confirmed reinforcements for São Paulo for 2026, goalkeeper Carlos Coronel and midfielder Danielzinho, held a press conference this Friday (9) at the Barra Funda training center, speaking to the press for the first time.

The goalkeeper, who has dual nationality and plays for the Paraguayan national team, spent five seasons with the New York Red Bulls in the United States. After his contract ended, he was already in advanced talks with another MLS team to stay in the country, but a last-minute offer from São Paulo changed his future.

“What motivated me was the greatness of São Paulo. I was well on my way to signing with Orlando (City) in the MLS, but when São Paulo came along, there was no way to refuse. It's a great club. For me, it is very important to be here today. It was an easy choice to be here today,” said Coronel during his presentation as a Tricolor player.

Now wearing the number 31 jersey, Carlos Coronel signed with the new club until December 31, 2028, with the possibility of extending for another year if certain goals are met.

The operation did not incur any transfer costs for São Paulo, as the goalkeeper's contract with the American club ended at the end of 2025. Thus, Tricolor now holds 100% of Coronel's economic rights.

Having been called up for the Paraguayan national team in recent years, he joins Tricolor to be even closer to the dream of playing in the next World Cup.

“I am adapting, looking for my place, I made it clear to the coaching staff. Just being at São Paulo, Paraguay sees me differently and it can help me get to the World Cup,” highlighted the goalkeeper.

COMEBACK AT TRICOLOR

Born in Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul, Carlos Miguel Coronel had brief stints in the Tricolor youth categories in Cotia when he was very young. However, he admitted it was quite significant, enough to create a passion for the club and the desire to return one day.

“I had a quick stint in Cotia, when I played in the youth category. It was a very brief period, but for me, it was significant, that's where a passion for São Paulo began, the club is great in every aspect.”

“Being in the structure and Cotia was surreal, the whole condition, it was very difficult for me when it didn't continue. And today being able to return as a professional, it's like a movie in my head. I feel fulfilled, as it was an old desire to play for São Paulo,” emphasized the new goalkeeper.

DOES POLITICAL TURMOIL HINDER?

The latest news from the club has been more about political scandals and accusations against president Julio Casares, but Coronel said the external crisis does not hinder the athletes' work on the field.

“I can't say much about the political moment. We players know that everything is under control. For me, São Paulo could be at its worst moment, and I would still accept coming to São Paulo. I'm here to help, I see the group doing very well day by day, focused on training for the debut. It's about preparing as best as possible until then.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.