Corinthians have sent a strong message to the football world by rejecting Roma’s €30 million offer for striker Yuri Alberto, reaffirming their commitment to keeping one of Brazil’s top attacking talents in São Paulo for the foreseeable future.

In a season marked by both transfer speculation and critical squad challenges, the decision signals intent and ambition from Timão’s management. 

Million-Euro Temptation: Alberto’s Value to Corinthians

As the European summer transfer window closed, Roma tabled a substantial offer—roughly R$190 million—for the 24-year-old forward, hoping to lure him away at a decisive moment.

Yet Corinthians rebuffed the bid without opening negotiations, emphasizing not only Alberto’s status as a vital on-field asset but also the logistical bind imposed by an ongoing transfer ban that prevents immediate reinforcements.

The club currently holds 50% of the player’s economic rights, with Zenit Saint Petersburg owning the remainder, a detail that further complicated any potential outbound move. 

Despite financial pressures and a R$40 million debt owed to Santos Laguna, Corinthians prioritized squad stability, as manager Dorival Júnior acknowledged in post-match interviews. 

With Alberto under contract until June 2030, Timão made clear their intention to build around the prolific forward, whose 13 goals and an assist in 40 games this season have kept the team’s offense afloat, especially as younger options step up during his recovery from a hernia operation. 

European Allure and Alberto’s Ambitions

Interest in Alberto from European clubs has grown steadily, with previous approaches from the Premier League and La Liga reportedly in recent years. His agent, André Cury, confirmed ongoing conversations, describing Alberto’s dream of playing at the highest level in Europe, particularly in England and Real Madrid.

Nevertheless, Alberto’s loyalty to Corinthians remains strong for now, and both he and the management have communicated optimism about his role at the club. 

Corinthians’ refusal sets a clear precedent: only offers that benefit both player and club will be considered. Until then, Yuri Alberto’s future looks firmly rooted at Neo Química Arena, where his continued development could see him become one of the top scorers of his generation. 

In a market obsessed with blockbuster transfers, Corinthians’ resolve highlights a strategy focused on long-term squad quality and financial prudence. For now, Yuri Alberto remains Timão’s most valuable asset and centerpiece for ambitions both domestic and international.