Corinthians Faces Internal Discord and Financial Scrutiny Over André’s R$103 Million Transfer to AC Milan

Corinthians debates the financial benefits and strategic timing of selling young midfielder André to AC Milan amid internal friction and payment concerns.

    Key details

  • • AC Milan’s €17 million offer involves 70% of André's rights with conditional bonuses.
  • • Corinthians expects less than the headline amount due to shared rights and performance clauses.
  • • Journalist Rodrigo Vessoni criticizes the urgency and payment terms of the deal.
  • • Coach Dorival Júnior advocates for André’s continued development at Corinthians before a sale.
  • • Negotiations are tense, with potential legal disputes if the sale is withdrawn.

Corinthians is embroiled in internal disputes and financial scrutiny regarding the proposed transfer of promising midfielder André to AC Milan for approximately €17 million (around R$103 million). The offer covers 70% of André’s economic rights, with €15 million guaranteed and an additional €2 million contingent on his playing time before the World Cup. Despite the headline figure, Corinthians expects to net significantly less due to shared ownership and performance-based conditions, with André retaining 30% of his rights and opting out of the negotiation share.

Journalist Rodrigo Vessoni has criticized the club's urgency to close the deal ahead of the Copa Libertadores, pointing out the transfer window remains open until July. He flagged concerns over the staggered payment schedule extending to 2028, which provides limited immediate financial relief. Vessoni also noted tensions within the club, suggesting agent pressures and management missteps reminiscent of past issues. Coach Dorival Júnior echoed reservations, arguing André’s market value could rise with more maturity at Corinthians and cautioning against selling so prematurely.

Negotiations reportedly risk collapse as Corinthians seeks to renegotiate terms. AC Milan and André's representatives claim a binding agreement exists, backed by exchanged drafts despite a missing presidential signature. This standoff may escalate to legal battles potentially requiring FIFA’s intervention. André, 19, having already played 24 matches and scored 4 goals for Corinthians' first team, is viewed as both a technical and financial asset, making this transfer a pivotal moment amid the club’s pressing need for liquidity and sporting ambitions.

This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.

Source comparison

Payment plan details

Sources report different details about the payment plan for André's transfer.

jovempan.com.br

"The proposal includes €15 million as a fixed amount and an additional €2 million contingent on André participating in 20 matches."

cnnbrasil.com.br

"He further criticized the payment plan, which involves three installments between 2026 and 2028."

Why this matters: One source mentions a payment plan involving three installments between 2026 and 2028, while the other does not specify this detail. This discrepancy affects understanding of the financial implications for Corinthians.