Corinthians is in advanced negotiations to secure the signing of former Sporting player Zakaria Labyad. The information was reported by Globoesporte. The 32-year-old Moroccan midfielder is currently a free agent, a factor that facilitates the process for the Brazilian club, which is looking to strengthen its squad. Labyad's contractual situation, having ended his connection with Dalian Yingbo in China at the end of 2025, is seen as an opportunity. Furthermore, his salary is considered compatible with Corinthians' current financial reality, which is undergoing a cost-cutting period. It is worth noting that Labyad is a well-known name in Portuguese football, having represented Sporting, where he scored three goals and provided two assists in 27 matches in the 2012/2013 season. His career began in the PSV youth academy, where he coincided with Memphis Depay. Interestingly, in August 2025, Depay commented on a post by Labyad on the social media platform Instagram, writing: 'Come to Brazil, brother.' After his time at PSV, the attacking midfielder also played for Utrecht and Ajax in the Netherlands before moving to Chinese football, where he spent the last two seasons. In 2024, he made 31 appearances, scoring six goals and providing nine assists, while last year he participated in 25 matches, netting six times and making four assists. Signing a midfielder is one of Corinthians' priorities in this transfer window. Labyad, an offensive player, would arrive to an area of the pitch already occupied by Rodrigo Garro and Breno Bidon.
Sporting Zakaria Labyad remains central to this story.
Sporting Zakaria Labyad remains central to this story.
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