Corinthians is at the heart of two market talks: Santos is seeking the Timão for a loan of André Ramalho, while the club keeps João Paulo on its radar. Negotiations come as the transfer window reopens on July 20, and the Timão still wrestles with a FIFA‑imposed transfer ban.

How did the André Ramalho proposal arise?

Journalist Thiago Rodrigues, Corinthians' insider, reports that Santos reached out to ask if the Timão would allow the 34‑year‑old defender to move on loan. Ramalho fell out of favor under Fernando Diniz during the 2026 season, yet his résumé — stints at PSV, Bayer Leverkusen and Red Bull Salzburg — still makes him attractive. Coach Cuca sees him as a veteran who can lead the back line.

Why does João Paulo interest Corinthians?

At the same time, the Timão monitors goalkeeper João Paulo, who just returned from a loan at Bahia. If Gabriel Brazão is transferred this window, João Paulo could be considered as a backup solution, competing with Hugo Souza, who is attracting European interest. The club already explored the option earlier this year, but talks stalled.

What financial hurdles exist?

Both clubs face FIFA‑issued transfer bans due to accumulated debts. While Santos tries to shore up its defense after Zé Ivaldo's departure, Corinthians must balance the need for reinforcements with the inability to register new players until the issues are resolved. So far, only market inquiries have taken place.

How does this affect the Timão's campaign?

Corinthians sits 13th in Serie A with 47 points (12 wins, 11 draws, 15 losses) and a –5 goal difference (42 scored, 47 conceded). The last result was a 3‑2 win over São Paulo on May 10, 2026. Recent form reads 2 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses in the last five games (WLWDL). The next fixture is an away match against Internacional on August 2, where the Timão will aim to climb the table.

What could change in the coming days?

If Santos finalises the swap for Ramalho, the Timão will gain an experienced centre‑back to replace Zé Ivaldo. Conversely, signing João Paulo could add depth to the goal, especially if the club decides to sell Brazão. Yet, FIFA approval for new registrations remains uncertain, and any move hinges on clearing the financial backlog.

What is the likely scenario?

With the window closing in, talks are set to intensify, but the lack of an official offer signals much remains undecided. The Timão must juggle the need for reinforcements with the reality of a transfer ban while striving to stay competitive in Serie A. The outcome of these negotiations could directly impact the fight to escape the mid‑table zone before the clash with Internacional.