Goalkeeper with experience at Flamengo could join São Paulo rivals in June window

Goalkeeper Santos, who won the Libertadores and the Copa do Brasil with Flamengo in 2022, may be about to change clubs again. At 35 years old, the player is being targeted by Corinthians, who are looking to strengthen his position at the request of coach Dorival Júnior. According to information from the São Paulo press, Santos' name pleases the Timão coaching staff, who see the experienced goalkeeper as an option to compete with Hugo Souza — also a former Flamengo player and now a regular for the black and white team.

A NEW MOMENT LIVED

At Athletico-PR, Santos is having a quiet season. A reserve for the team from Paraná, the goalkeeper has only played one official match in 2025: the 3-1 victory over São Joseense, still in the Campeonato Paranaense. Without a place in Furacão, the possibility of a new challenge at a club the size of Corinthians emerges as a viable alternative for the goalkeeper, who has a contract with Athletico until the end of the year.

Dorival Júnior, the current Corinthians coach, knows Santos well from his time at Flamengo and sees the goalkeeper as a trustworthy figure. At Rubro-Negro, the two worked together for part of the 2022 season, the year in which the club lifted the Copa do Brasil and Libertadores trophies. In addition to the history with Dorival, the scenario of the Corinthians goal also favors the search. Hugo Souza, the current starter, is still inconsistent and is not unanimous internally. Matheus Donelli, another option in the squad, remains without continuity.

A FIGHT FOR POSITION

Hugo and Santos have already shared the same dressing room at Flamengo and could compete for the position again, now at Corinthians. The competition between the two was intense in 2022, with moments of alternation in the red-black goal. Internally, Corinthians' idea is to seek experienced reinforcements for sectors considered sensitive . The goalkeeper position is treated as a priority, especially due to the lack of stability in recent performances.

Despite his advanced age, Santos is still seen as a reliable name in the national market. His numbers and performances in decisive moments at Flamengo count in his favor — especially in the knockout stages. Behind the scenes, there is concern about the financial aspect. Corinthians does not intend to invest heavily in signings at this time and is evaluating a possible agreement in the form of a loan or an amicable termination between Santos and Athletico-PR.