Corinthians tackles senior squad budget strain and Sub‑17 clash with Cruzeiro

Corinthians is confronting a severe financial crisis as many of its senior‑team players have logged fewer than 12 appearances in the 2026 Brazilian Série A. The club, which fields a 34‑player roster, expects to sell assets in the upcoming July 20 transfer window to meet a budget that includes a projected R$151 million from federation rights and solidarity payments. Notable names with limited minutes include Memphis Depay, Jesse Lingard, Vitinho, Matheus Pereira, André Ramalho and João Pedro Tchoca. The board is negotiating a reduced salary for Depay, whose contract expires on July 31, aiming to lower his monthly cost from roughly R$3.7 million to about R$2.5 million.

Meanwhile, the Corinthians under‑17 side prepares for a Brazilian Sub‑17 championship match against Cruzeiro on Tuesday at 15:00 BRT in Belo Horizonte’s Toca da Raposa I. Corinthians sit third in the league with seven points, unbeaten with two wins and a draw, having recently beaten Grêmio 7‑0. Cruzeiro are fourth with six points after a 3‑1 victory over Atlético‑MG. The match will be refereed by João Luiz Gomes Neto, assisted by Filipe Ramos de Santana and Andressa Oliveira Pereira.