Corinthians register Alex Santana for Copa do Brasil ahead of Barra-SC tie | OneFootball

Corinthians have registered reintegrated midfielder Alex Santana for the Copa do Brasil. Fernando Diniz's side visit Barra-SC at the Ressacada on Tuesday at 21:30 in the fifth phase.

According to Meu Timao, the 30-year-old had been frozen out since returning from a loan at Grêmio at the start of the season. Former coach Dorival Júnior did not use him, and he missed the Campeonato Paulista, the Supercopa do Brasil final and the Libertadores group-stage list.

With a contract to December 2027, he trained at separate times alongside defender Renato, who remains out of the plans. The board explored a move, loan or permanent, and there was interest without concrete talks. Diniz's arrival shifted the picture after he showed appreciation for the midfielder.

Santana is also eligible for the Campeonato Brasileiro. In the Libertadores, he can only be added if Corinthians reach the knockouts, when changes to the list are allowed. He rejoined first-team training on Monday but was not in the squad for Saturday's 0-0 draw with Vitória in the Brasileirão.

Signed from Athletico-PR in 2024 for about €two million, approximately R$ 12 million at the time, he has 37 Corinthians appearances, 17 starts, and two goals. He was part of the 2025 Campeonato Paulista title-winning squad. He has not played since four October 2025, coming on after 25 minutes of the second half in Grêmio's 1-0 win over Red Bull Bragantino in the Brasileiro, and was unused thereafter.

Source: Meu Timao