Corinthians manager Dorival Júnior has issued a resolute declaration against the potential sale of promising young midfielder André to AC Milan, following the team’s unexpected elimination from the Campeonato Paulista in early 2025. The club’s defeat to Novorizontino, a 1-0 upset, has intensified discussions surrounding the team’s immediate future and strategic direction.
Júnior’s stance underscores a clear philosophical divide, with the coach asserting his primary objective is to build a championship-winning squad rather than constantly reforming it for financial gain. He conveyed his firm opinion directly to the president, stressing the importance of technical continuity over short-term monetary returns.
The proposed transfer, valued at a substantial sum for a player of André’s limited senior experience, has sparked internal debate about balancing immediate financial necessities with the long-term competitive aspirations of the club, especially as Corinthians prepares for the demanding 2025 Campeonato Brasileiro season.
Coach’s vision: Stability over immediate financial gain
Dorival Júnior emphasized that his mandate at Corinthians is to secure titles, not to navigate a perpetual cycle of player turnover. He highlighted that parting ways with key players, especially emerging talents like André, would undermine the foundational work required to forge a cohesive and competitive unit. This philosophy was communicated to club leadership well in advance.
The coach argued that André’s high valuation after only a few senior appearances signifies his immense potential and true market worth. He insisted that Corinthians must position itself as a formidable contender, signaling to the market a clear ambition to win championships rather than merely generate revenue from player sales.
Júnior drew a sharp distinction between prioritizing technical reinforcement and purely financial motives. “If it’s solely about financial return, I want no part of that process,” he stated firmly, advocating against losing any player during the competitive 2025 season. He further pressed for the club’s promised stability to become a tangible reality.
Club’s official stance and offer details
Following Dorival Júnior’s outspoken comments, Marcelo Paz, Corinthians’ executive director of football, provided the club’s official position on the prospective transfer. Paz clarified that while no sale has been finalized, a concrete proposal from AC Milan has indeed been received, countering earlier speculations about an offer from Juventus. He noted that André, due to his youth and recent emergence, does not yet possess an established market value on platforms like Transfermarkt, implying his value is currently defined by what the market is willing to offer.
Paz detailed the intricacies of Milan’s bid, which values André at approximately 24 million euros for 100% of his rights. With Corinthians holding 70% of the player’s economic rights, a successful sale would net the club around 17 million euros. This figure includes 15 million euros upfront and an additional 2 million euros in performance-based incentives, remarkably structured to be achievable while André would still be with Corinthians. Should the transfer proceed, André would move to Italy only in the middle of the 2025 calendar year, allowing him to complete the initial phase of the Brazilian season. Furthermore, the club would retain a significant 20% sell-on clause on any future transfer profits.
Balancing financial needs and team strength
Addressing the broader financial context, Paz acknowledged the well-documented necessity for Corinthians to generate revenue through player sales. This imperative, he explained, stems from directives issued by the club’s board and financial department, aimed at ensuring the club honors its commitments and maintains fiscal health. The executive director reiterated that despite the compelling offer and the undeniable financial pressures, the sale is not yet a done deal, emphasizing that the final decision rests with President Osmar. Paz characterized the situation as a delicate balancing act, requiring a careful calibration between the urgent need for liquidity and the crucial requirement to maintain a competitive squad capable of achieving the club’s sporting objectives. He also touched upon the speculative nature of player valuation, recognizing that while André’s market value might rise, it could also potentially decrease depending on his performance trajectory and injury history, making any decision inherently complex and forward-looking.
A challenging defeat in the Paulista semifinals
Corinthians’ journey in the Campeonato Paulista concluded with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Novorizontino. The decisive goal came in the second half from Mayk, sealing the Alvinegro’s elimination from the state championship. This outcome was particularly frustrating for the team and its supporters, as it marked an early exit from a competition where the club held high expectations.
Dorival Júnior analyzed the performance, asserting that his team played a “correct” game, specifically designed to counter Novorizontino’s transition-based style. The tactical approach aimed at denying their opponents opportunities through central spaces, largely succeeding in limiting their preferred avenues of attack.
Despite the disciplined defensive effort, a singular error proved costly. “We made one mistake that caused our defeat. A single mistake,” Júnior reflected, highlighting the fine margins that often decide knockout matches. He noted that similar opportunities presented themselves in the first half but were not converted into goals.
The coach expressed confidence in the team’s overall direction, emphasizing the consistency displayed during the match. He acknowledged the difficulty in finding offensive breakthroughs without exposing the defense, concluding that while the team played solidly, a lack of clinical finishing ultimately contributed to their unsuccessful night.
Novorizontino’s surprising path to the final
Novorizontino celebrated a remarkable and consistent campaign in the 2025 Campeonato Paulista, accumulating 22 points and finishing with the best record in the tournament. Their victory over Corinthians secured a place in the state championship final, a historic achievement marking their first final appearance in 36 years. Their last significant final was the “Final Caipira” against Bragantino in 1990.
The club from São Paulo’s interior now awaits the outcome of the second semifinal clash between Palmeiras and São Paulo to determine their opponent for the grand final. The championship decider is scheduled for March 8, 2025, and due to their superior campaign, Novorizontino is highly anticipated to host the decisive match on their home turf.
Corinthians’ pivot to the national championship
With their Paulista title aspirations dashed, Corinthians will now fully concentrate on the demanding 2025 Campeonato Brasileiro season. The team is set to face Coritiba in their next challenge, with the match scheduled for Wednesday, at 9:30 PM, at the iconic Neo Química Arena, marking a swift transition to national league play.
