Corinthians president holds meeting to align first team and academy plans | OneFootball

Corinthians president Osmar Stabile held talks with executives Marcelo Paz and Erasmo Damiani to strengthen links between first team and academy as part of 2026 planning at Parque São Jorge. According to Meu Timao, the meeting focused on aligning actions across the club’s football departments.

Bringing base and professional closer is a central aim for 2026. Paz and Damiani have already met in recent weeks to set strategies and guidelines seen as key by the current leadership.

Damiani has stressed the intention to give more minutes to homegrown players in the senior squad. After the opening defeat to Bahia in the Campeonato Brasileiro, head coach Dorival Júnior said he does not plan to promote further youngsters for now.

About 30% of the first-team group are academy graduates, including goalkeepers Felipe Longo, Kauê and Matheus Donelli, and forward Gui Negão.

Despite his cautious stance, Dorival is working daily with several prospects. Centre-back Iago Machado, 16, is training with the seniors and is expected to stay at least until the end of the Campeonato Paulista, with a remote chance of facing Capivariano on 5 February.

Other regulars in first-team sessions include forward Luiz Fernando, 18, midfielder Guilherme Pires, 20, forward Léo Amistá, 16, and goalkeeper Matheus Corrêa, 19.

Since arriving, Dorival has already handed opportunities to Felipe Longo, Kauê, João Vitor, André Luiz, Dieguinho, Guilherme Amorim and Gui Negão, reflecting the club’s stance that the academy is a pillar of its project.

Source: Meu Timao