Tchoca’s return puts brakes on Corinthians’ search for a centre-back | OneFootball

The Corinthians have halted their search for a defender in the market. The reason is the failed negotiation of João Pedro Tchoca with Torino, from Italy.

After the confirmation of Tchoca's departure, coach Dorival Júnior stated that the club needed to go to the market to fill the gap. However, now that the defender is back, the club's management believes they no longer need to sign a player for the position.

The Timão squad for the rest of the season, therefore, should have five options for the position: André Ramalho, Gustavo Henrique, Tchoca, Cacá, and the newly arrived Gabriel Paulista. Corinthians should only look for another defender if one of these is negotiated in this window.

(Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians)

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Caught by Surprise

The Corinthians management was caught by surprise with the return of João Pedro Tchoca. Torino informed Timão that the young defender did not pass the medical exams.

The club, however, disputes this version and believes that the athlete is fit to play. Not surprisingly, he was listed and was available to Dorival for the match against Velo Clube last Sunday, in the Paulista Championship.

Corinthians believes that Torino's veto might be related to a severe left knee injury suffered by Tchoca back in 2019, when he played in the youth categories. The player will undergo a series of exams upon returning to the CT Dr. Joaquim Grava.

Failed Negotiation

João Pedro Tchoca was to be loaned by Corinthians to Torino until the end of June this year, with a purchase obligation. The operation was set at 1.5 million euros (about R$ 9.5 million at the current exchange rate).

As soon as Tchoca played in ten matches for the Italian club for at least 45 minutes, the permanent purchase would be completed at the value of 4.5 million euros (R$ 28 million). There was also the possibility of a 1 million euro bonus if the player met certain goals.

A product of Terrão, João Pedro Tchoca joined Corinthians in 2019, at 16 years old. He won the Copinha title in 2024 but did not stay with Timão and was loaned to Ceará. He returned to the club at the beginning of 2025 and started gaining space in the team.

He played 33 matches and scored one goal for the main team, in addition to winning the Paulistão and Copa do Brasil titles last year. Upon his return, the defender will wear the number 4 jersey.

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