Rony reveals talks with Dorival Júnior and Corinthians board early this year | OneFootball

Santos forward Rony says he held talks with Dorival Júnior and a Corinthians director early this year, but a move did not progress.

"There were talks and they did not go anywhere. I spoke with Dorival and with a director there, and it ended when he said it was just speculation. After that, nothing else happened," he told ESPN.

At the time he was leaving Atlético-MG and his name was put to Dorival, who viewed the attack as one of the squad’s thin areas. Corinthians then moved for a loan for Kaio César from Al-Hilal, the only forward addition in 2026.

Elsewhere the club signed centre-back Gabriel Paulista, right-back Pedro Milans, midfielders Matheus Pereira and Allan, and attacking midfielders Zakaria Labyad and Jesse Lingard.

Their paths had crossed before. In 2018 Corinthians reached a verbal agreement after Rony left Albirex Niigata. The Japanese club accused him of walking out without finalising his release, so the legal department advised against the deal.

Interest returned in 2020 when he was at Athletico-PR after a strong 2019. Corinthians stepped back because of the high release clause, and Palmeiras signed him soon after.

Corinthians now have Yuri Alberto, Gui Negão, Kaio César, Pedro Raul, Vitinho and Memphis Depay in attack. Depay’s deal runs to 31 July, with renewal talks under way. Kaio César and Vitinho are contracted to year end, while Yuri Alberto has said he wants to leave this window.

Source: Meu Timao