Alisson close to joining São Paulo’s biggest rivals, Corinthians | OneFootball

São Paulo and Corinthians made progress this Tuesday (20th), and midfielder Alisson is close to leaving Morumbi to be announced as the new reinforcement for the rival team.

As reported by AVANTE MEU TRICOLOR, after rejecting the initial conditions suggested by the team from the east zone, which sought the release of player number 25 for free, the Morumbi club made a counterproposal: payment of approximately R$ 1.5 million for a one-season loan, with the rival paying the salaries and a mandatory purchase clause if Alisson meets a game target.

Tired of considering alternatives to acquire Alisson, with whom they already have an agreement, Corinthians then decided to respond regarding the payment method for the loan fee. And the Tricolor accepted the offer to divide the amount into 11 monthly installments until the end of the year.

Currently, the report found that the two rivals are only aligning the final details of the contract so that the negotiation can be officially announced.

THE NEGOTIATION

With the information that São Paulo finally unlocked its negotiations now that it indeed has a new president, with Harry Massis Júnior taking over from the impeached Julio Casares, Monday (19th) for São Paulo was marked by information from Corinthians insiders about their plans to meet coach Dorival Júnior's needs and finalize the signing of midfielder Alisson.

Well, the awaited contact from the rival happened, according to AVANTE MEU TRICOLOR, during the night. Indeed, some information from journalists covering Corinthians proved to be true. They really want Alisson on a one-season loan. But here's the problem: they don't want to pay anything for it.

It wasn't an official proposal, but rather a signal from Marcelo Paz, the new head of their football department. The draft offer is for São Paulo to release Alisson for the suggested period. And the team from the east zone would have a purchase obligation if he reached sports goals, especially a certain number of games.

The Tricolor's response was immediate: no way. São Paulo understands that it doesn't make sense to release their player for free to strengthen a rival and meet their coach's needs. Worse, to give the piece that Dorival so desires and who, in a way, lived one of the best moments in his career with him.

After rejecting all the exchange options offered by the rival, who in turn refused the requested names (read more below), São Paulo only sees two possible scenarios: a definitive sale or a paid loan, with a transfer fee and possibly an option to purchase at the end of the contract.​

Conversations are expected to continue, as Dorival insists on having Alisson, and the Itaquera team already has a verbal agreement with the player. The coach himself called him, even promised him a starting position, and convinced him. Because of this, São Paulo's management chose to sideline him and not use him in games anymore. Even coach Hernán Crespo showed internal discomfort with player number 25, saying he "washed his hands" regarding his stay or not.

THE CASE

Alisson's signing was requested by coach Dorival Júnior at rival Corinthians. And the negotiations have been dragging on since the beginning of the month. Therefore, the Tricolor decided to somewhat distance the player, not including him in the games. He was left out of the victory over São Bernardo midweek and was again not included for the Sunday (18th) classic, precisely against the east zone team, in Itaquera, for the Paulista Championship. Crespo himself confirmed the information.

The new president Harry Massis was informed by football executive Rui Costa of the current stage of the deal. And how the initial negotiations for player exchanges ended up not working out.

The Tricolor's first choice for an exchange was for fellow midfielder Ranielli. But Corinthians did not accept the 'offer'. A second name was suggested by the São Paulo team, José Martínez. However, the Venezuelan is stuck in his home country due to political problems, without a passport, and has not yet returned to Parque São Jorge. That is, in quotes, since his girlfriend has been posting photos of the couple enjoying life in Caracas. To complicate matters, his agent informed the rival that he is not interested in seeing his client at Morumbi.

While the clubs are at a standstill, Dorival acted behind the scenes. He called Alisson and, according to 'ESPN', convinced player number 25 to switch clubs. The reason given to São Paulo's directors is that he seeks more playing time. Which is strange, since he was a starter in Tricolor's season opener against Mirassol. And he is only not being included by Crespo because of the negotiation with Corinthians.

AMT found that Massis agreed with Costa's plan to toughen the stance. They do not want to strengthen a rival easily. Either Corinthians gives in and provides who São Paulo asked for, or they pay an amount deemed fair by Morumbi's side.

AVANTE MEU TRICOLOR revealed in December that Alisson lost his essential status in the squad with coach Hernán Crespo.

There was an expectation from player number 25's staff that a proposal from Cruzeiro would arrive. For a simple reason: his closeness to businessman Pedro Lourenço, owner of the SAF of the Minas Gerais team. And because 'Pedrinho BH' had suggested Alisson's name in the last two transfer windows.

The reason for the almost obsession of the Minas Gerais boss for the São Paulo player goes back to the past. Alisson was revealed at Cruzeiro and was part of the youth categories of the blue team when Lourenço financially helped and had an informal position in the lower layers.

In short, Alisson is a kind of 'protégé' of Pedrinho BH. To the point that the businessman helped him at the end of 2022, when the player was sidelined from São Paulo due to psychological problems.

All this closeness, of course, makes Alisson's name constantly probed at his old home.

Originally a right-winger, Alisson has been playing as a midfielder for Tricolor since 2023, when he was improvised by Dorival Júnior during the Copa do Brasil title campaign. It was the player's comeback, who had been criticized until then and had personal problems.

The good phase even made his name considered for a call-up to the national team, as we mentioned above, but the arrival of Hernán Crespo and the change to a three-defender scheme made him lose space within São Paulo itself, overshadowed by Marcos Antônio and Bobadilla, becoming a reserve.

Alisson has a good relationship with Dorival. It was under the coach's guidance during the historic Copa do Brasil title campaign that the questioned forward was moved back to midfielder and enjoyed a moment of idolization with the Tricolors. Our former commander even pre-selected player number 25 for the Brazilian National Team (believe it or not).

Therefore, it's natural that his name is being mentioned on the east side now that Dorival has moved there.

Even in a downturn, player number 25 finished last year as the fourth player with the most appearances in the season. He played 54 games, 14 of which he came off the bench. Only in two games where he was included did he not enter the field. He scored just one goal in the year.

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