Corinthians set for major midfield shake-up in bid to fix finances | OneFootball

Corinthians have reached an advanced stage in negotiations to loan midfielder Alex Santana to Grêmio, as part of a broader reshuffle aimed at streamlining the squad and managing the club's finances during the mid-year window. The 30-year-old, who has struggled for regular opportunities under Dorival Júnior this season, was left out of the matchday squad for the recent goalless draw against Vitória, a clear indication that a deal is imminent.

Santana has featured in 22 of Corinthians’ 39 matches this year, making the starting eleven on ten occasions and contributing two goals. His most recent involvement came as a late substitute in the 1-0 Copa Sul-Americana win over Racing-URU in mid-May. Despite these appearances, Santana has been unable to secure a consistent spot in the lineup, facing stiff competition in his position and finding himself on the periphery of Dorival’s plans.

The imminent move to Grêmio comes as Corinthians look to trim their roster, both to open space for new arrivals and ease the wage bill. The club is preparing for a series of departures involving players with limited minutes, with Alex Santana’s situation described as emblematic of a broader effort to rebalance the squad. Other squad members, such as left-back Diego Palacios, are also potential candidates for summer exits, and the club’s leadership anticipates that at least one higher-profile departure could still occur.

Financial imperatives remain a driving factor behind the shake-up. Recent sales of young prospects Dener and Guilherme Biro have helped bolster Corinthians’ accounts, but with the need to raise an estimated R$ 100 million from transfers, further outgoings are expected before the close of the current window.

Santana’s loan agreement with Grêmio is expected to be finalized shortly, with just minor contractual points left to address. The move aligns with the opening of the ‘extra’ transfer window, which runs until June 10, ahead of the traditional transfer period that opens in July.

With Corinthians enduring frustration on the pitch—goals have been hard to come by, and creativity in midfield lacking—allowing Santana to seek more consistent action elsewhere could offer benefits for both parties. The midfielder gets the chance to reset his season in Porto Alegre, while Corinthians continue refining a squad that still faces critical challenges on and off the field.

Source: Globo