Corinthians present Zakaria Labyad at CT Dr. Joaquim Grava | OneFootball

Corinthians have unveiled Moroccan midfielder Zakaria Labyad at CT Dr. Joaquim Grava after he signed until December 2026, with an option to extend by one year if targets are met. According to Meu Timao, the free agent, who will wear number 52, gave his first interview alongside president Osmar Stabile.

Labyad said he spoke at length with Memphis Depay and with players experienced in Brazilian football before accepting the offer. He described Corinthians as a great club and called the project decisive, adding that Depay’s presence, given their PSV beginnings and shared trophies, helped his choice. He hopes to continue enjoying success together.

He could only be officially announced last Friday after receiving his work visa. The midfielder arrives without a transfer fee, having left China’s Dalian Yingbo at the end of the 2025 season, with his close relationship with Depay, a former PSV team-mate from youth level, seen as a factor.

Labyad has played in the Netherlands, Portugal, England and China. His standout season came in 2017/18 with Utrecht, when he scored 18 goals and supplied nine assists in 39 Eredivisie matches. In 2025 for Dalian Yingbo, he featured 25 times, scoring six and adding four assists.

Although already integrated with the squad, he will undergo reconditioning before Dorival Júnior can call on him, with his last competitive game in November 2025.

Corinthians have also added six players this window, which closes in March: centre-back Gabriel Paulista, full-backs Pedro Milans and Fabrizio Angileri, midfielders Matheus Pereira and Allan, and forward Kaio César. They visit Cruzeiro at the Mineirão on Wednesday at 20:00 in the fourth round of the Campeonato Brasileiro, and Labyad may not be included.

Source: Meu Timao