Midfielder returns to Corinthians squad after loan and spell out | OneFootball

Corinthians have received a ‘homegrown boost’ for the remainder of the season. Central do Timão has learned that defensive midfielder Alex Santana, 30, following the change in the coaching staff, will be reintegrated into the Corinthians squad after starting the season training separately from the rest of the team. The player was not in the plans of Dorival Júnior’s coaching staff, who were dismissed exactly one week ago.

The decision came with the arrival of Fernando Diniz, who has worked with the player before and, during his introductory press conference last Tuesday (7), had already indicated this possibility, saying he would look into the matter before giving an opinion on the situation. The information about the player’s reintegration was also reported over the past week by journalist Samir Carvalho, from Canal Café do Setorista.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

Central do Timão has also learned that Alex Santana is expected to resume training with the group as early as this Monday (13). During the transfer window at the start of the year, the player did receive some approaches, but no talks progressed toward a possible departure from Parque São Jorge.

Alex Santana was signed by Corinthians in July 2024 for R$ 12 million from Athletico-PR, where he played for two seasons. He was part of the team’s surge in the 2024 Brasileirão — nine straight wins — from the relegation zone to the Libertadores qualifying stage, as well as securing a place in the 2025 Copa do Brasil, and also of last year’s Campeonato Paulista title win against Palmeiras in Itaquera. In total, he has made 37 appearances for Corinthians and scored two goals.

After the state title, in March 2025, Alex Santana lost space at Corinthians shortly after Argentine coach Ramón Díaz left the technical command, having been dismissed in mid-April. With the arrival of Dorival Júnior, the midfielder saw his playing time reduced, and in the middle of the year he was loaned to Grêmio, then managed by Mano Menezes. His last match for Timão took place in May last year, away from home, in the 1-0 win over Racing-URU in the Conmebol Sudamericana group stage.

At the club from Rio Grande do Sul, he also did not get much continuity, making only 10 appearances and dealing with some physical problems. His last match was in October 2025. In December, Grêmio chose not to exercise the purchase option and, consequently, he returned to Alvinegro, with whom he has a contract until the end of next season.

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