Marcelo Paz explains Corinthians’ Alisson U-turn and rejects fee criticism | OneFootball

Marcelo Paz has said Corinthians pulled back from signing Alisson for reasons of financial responsibility. “I want to be very transparent, the deal did not happen because of Corinthians’ financial responsibility,” he said, speaking to Bola da Vez.

The clubs had settled on a loan worth R$ 1.5 million, with R$ 1 million paid immediately and the remainder later in the year. The package also included a €2.5 million purchase option, €250,000 if he reached 25 appearances of at least 45 minutes, a R$ 2 million fee for him to face São Paulo, and ineligibility for the Campeonato Paulista.

Paz rejected suggestions the club lacked cash despite overall debt of R$ 2.8 billion. “The issue is not R$ 1 million,” he said. “Corinthians have R$ 1 million, of course, but the wider package could burden the club.”

He regretted the saga and clarified Alisson’s visit to CT Joaquim Grava was authorised by São Paulo and not for medicals, only to see the facilities.

Corinthians have prioritised other obligations, including instalments to Toluca for Pedro Raul and resolving a debt to Talleres over Rodrigo Garro, about R$ 32 million, which could trigger another transfer ban. The club must also prepare for the first RCE payment in March, set at 4% of February revenue.

São Paulo coach Dorival Júnior had already ruled out the move on Wednesday, then added a fourth signing on Thursday as Kaio César joined from Al-Hilal on loan until the end of 2026, alongside Gabriel Paulista, Pedro Milans and Matheus Pereira.

Corinthians face Flamengo at 16:00 on Sunday, 1 February, at Mané Garrincha in Brasília in the Supercopa do Brasil final.

Source: Meu Timao