Agreement generates projected savings of R$8 million for the São Paulo club; 36-year-old defender will sign a one-season contract with the team from Minas Gerais
He and right-back Fagner reached an agreement for the early termination of the player’s contract, ending a historic cycle at Parque São Jorge. The athlete, who had a contract with Timão until the end of 2026, will definitely go to Cruzeiro, the club where he played on loan last season.
The negotiation, led by Corinthians’ new executive director of football, did not involve financial compensation from the Minas Gerais club. Corinthians will pay a severance payment to the player, but, according to board sources, the move represents significant financial relief. The club projects savings of R$8 million, an amount that includes salaries and charges that would be paid until the end of the original contract. During the loan period, Timão still paid 50% of the athlete’s salaries.
Continuity in Belo Horizonte
Fagner is expected by this Wednesday (7) to formalize the new relationship. The contract with Raposa will be valid for one season, with the option to renew for another year.
The full-back’s stay at Toca da Raposa was approved by the technical committee. Although he did not demand the signing, coach Tite — with whom Fagner worked at Corinthians himself and on the Brazilian team during the 2018 World Cup — gave the green light for the veteran to continue, highlighting his experience in competitions such as the Libertadores.
Trajectory
Fagner arrived at Cruzeiro at the beginning of 2025 to compete for a position with William. The player had a positive start, becoming popular with the fans under the command of Leonardo Jardim, but his streak was interrupted in July due to a fractured fibula. Recovered, he returned to action in the final stretch of the season, still looking for the ideal rhythm. Now, he will compete for the title with William and young Kaua Moraes, 19 years old.
The departure marks the end of an era at Corinthians. At 36 years old, Fagner leaves the club as one of the longest-lived athletes in recent black and white history, accumulating 578 games and winning five titles: two Brazilian Championships and three Paulista Championships.
