Corinthians moved forward in talks to sign striker Wesley, leaving Cruzeiro in second place and bringing the Timão closer to a deal, even though it still needs to lift the FIFA registration ban.

How did the rivalry between Corinthians and Cruzeiro start?

Wesley, a product of Corinthians' youth system, joined Al Nassr in 2024 and has attracted interest from several Brazilian clubs. When the Saudi side agreed to loan the player for free, the first club suggested was the Timão, but a salary of R$ 1.5 million per month stalled the agreement. Cruzeiro then proceeded with medical exams in Belo Horizonte last weekend, preparing to sign a loan. However, internal sources confirmed that Corinthians reopened talks on Friday, securing preference for the striker.

Why does the Timão still face a FIFA ban?

The club cannot register new players because it owes roughly R$ 8 million to Philadelphia Union for the José Martínez transfer. The debt blocks player registrations until the payment is settled. Al Nassr demanded guarantees that Corinthians will be able to register Wesley before releasing the transfer paperwork, putting the deal in a bureaucratic deadlock that will only be resolved when the registration window reopens on July 20.

What impact would Wesley have on the current squad?

If the Timão manages to register the striker, Wesley would provide an immediate boost to an attack that has struggled to find the net. Corinthians have scored 42 goals and conceded 47 this season, a –5 goal difference, sitting 13th in Serie A with 47 points (12 wins, 11 draws, 15 losses). The latest result was a 3‑2 win over São Paulo on May 10, 2026, and the team comes off a recent run of 2 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses in the last five games (WLWDL). The next fixture is an away match against Internacional on August 2, 2026, where the Timão will try to climb from 16th place.

What does the future hold if the ban is lifted?

Should the payment to Philadelphia Union be completed and the ban removed, Corinthians could register Wesley before the July 20 window and have him available for upcoming matches. The club still wrestles with a deep financial crisis after spending about R$ 120 million on FIFA fines related to Félix Torres, Matías Rojas and Rodrigo Garro. Nevertheless, the board is willing to assume 100% of the player's wages, as required by Al Nassr, hoping to revitalize the attack and close the 32‑point gap to league leaders Flamengo.

How are fans reacting to this possible signing?

Corinthians supporters, known as the Fiel, have voiced strong approval on social media, recalling the striker’s long‑standing bond with the club since his academy days. Many fans believe Wesley’s return to Neo Química Arena could be the turning point for a more competitive campaign, especially given the need to improve the goal balance and escape the relegation zone. Meanwhile, the management works behind the scenes to settle the financial issue and ensure the registration is approved without further delay.