Corinthians try fresh approach to sign rival’s midfielder

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Central do Timão

·20 de janeiro de 2026

Corinthians try fresh approach to sign rival’s midfielder

By Henrique Vigliotti/ Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians is still trying to sign midfielder Alisson, a request made by Dorival Jr.'s coaching staff, initially through a player exchange. However, this option was rejected by both the coach himself and Hernán Crespo, São Paulo's manager, who stated he did not need anyone from the Corinthians squad.

The information initially reported by ESPN is that Timão is now seeking a free one-season loan, covering the player's full salary, with no fee paid for the loan. On São Paulo's side, it is expected that the Tricolor will make a counterproposal, requesting 1 million reais for the loan, in addition to a fixed price as a purchase option.

Vídeos OneFootball

Photo: Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images

At 32 years old, Alisson plays as a second or third central midfielder, having had his best spell at São Paulo under Dorival Jr. in 2023. He suffered a serious injury in 2024 and was a starter in 2025 under Zubeldia, but lost his place under Hernán Crespo towards the end of the 2025 season and the start of 2026, not being included in the squad for the last two rounds.

In addition to Alisson as an option for the second central midfield role, Corinthians is also monitoring the situation of Vinicius Souza, a midfielder from Wolfsburg, who plays a role more similar to Raniele's, as a more defensive and positioned option, requested by Dorival to serve as a replacement for the number 14 shirt.

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