Corinthians director on defence and options as window nears close | OneFootball

Corinthians football executive Marcelo Paz played down any need for defensive reinforcements, saying the backline is well stocked as the window nears its close. According to Meu Timao, he addressed squad matters after a Paulista semi-finals technical council on Monday.

Paz said Corinthians have four established centre-backs, with Raniele available as cover, and academy product Iago training full time with the senior group. He added Dorival Júnior would introduce the youngster calmly rather than rush him.

He stressed the club will stay attentive to opportunities while Brazil’s transfer window remains open until three March. Any moves, he noted, must balance the aim of strengthening Dorival’s options with strict budget limits amid a schedule of matches every three or four days.

Corinthians have already confirmed six additions to the first team, Gabriel Paulista, Pedro Milans, Matheus Pereira, Kaio Cesar, Allan and Zakaria Labyad.

Paz also updated on midfielder Alex Santana, sidelined since April 2025 and under contract until the end of 2027. He said there is interest from other clubs and, as the player is not in Corinthians’ current plans, a move elsewhere is likely.

Corinthians visit Cruzeiro at the Mineirão on Wednesday in the third round of the Campeonato Brasileiro at 20:00. On Saturday they face Novorizontino in the Paulista semi-finals at 20:30 at Estádio Dr. Jorge Ismael de Biasi.

Source: Meu Timao