Vini Souza, Jorge Jesus protégé and Anitta’s ex, targeted by Corinthians | OneFootball

Corinthians are targeting Wolfsburg midfielder Vini Souza, who built his career in Europe and once dated singer Anitta.

According to Globo.com, the club have explored a loan for the 26-year-old, who is under contract until mid 2030, and a Brazil return has recently been considered after initially being dismissed.

Rio-born and developed at Flamengo, Souza played only eight senior games yet was in the squad that won the 2019 Brasileirão and Libertadores under Jesus. The coach publicly compared him to the Serbian Matic, formerly of Chelsea and Manchester United, from their time together at Benfica.

At 21 he left Brazil for Grupo City, first joining Belgian second-tier Lommel SK before spells with KV Mechelen, Espanyol and Sheffield United. Wolfsburg bought him mid last year for €15 million, about R$ 95 million at the time.

He began this season as a starter but lost his place after coach Paul Simonis departed at the end of 2025. He was an unused substitute in the last five Bundesliga rounds.

Off the pitch, he dated Anitta for about five months, then reconciled with ex-girlfriend Isabelle Michel, with whom he has a daughter.

In 2026 Corinthians have signed Gabriel Paulista and Matheus Pereira, have agreements for Pedro Milans and Kaio César, and expect goalkeeper João Ricardo in March.

Source: Globo.com