Corinthians Eye 2026 Return for Kaio Cesar as Al Hilal Star Becomes Transfer Target

Back to the Negotiations

Corinthians, the Brazilian club known for chasing ambitious targets, remains determined to bring back one of their Samba stars from Saudi football. They are aiming for a 2026 return of Kaio Cesar from Al Hilal after talks stalled when the coach Simone Inzaghi insisted on keeping the winger at the time.

According to BolaVip, Corinthians has already begun behind the scenes work to reopen negotiations with the young Brazilian winger, a long standing target due to his technical ability and blistering pace on the flanks, the exact traits the club has been missing in recent campaigns.

Kaio Cesar: The Profile and the Plan

Negotiations began in mid 2025 but were interrupted by Inzaghi's preference to hold the player. The Brazilian winger, aged 21, is under contract with Al Hilal for several seasons, with a market value around €5 million. Corinthians see a loan with an option to buy as the most sensible option given the current financial constraints.

Kaio Cesar joined Al Hilal in January 2023 from Vitória Guimarães, where he operated as a winger with a growing reputation in youth and top flight circles. In the 2024-2025 season he featured in a substantial number of matches, contributing goals and assists as he regained fitness after an injury setback.

The Brazilian club believes his pace, dribbling and ability to threaten the flanks would be a valuable addition to their attack, and are already testing the idea of integrating him back into the squad through a loan with an option to buy. The plan would hinge on whether Al Hilal is ready to restructure their foreign player list in the near future, potentially freeing up a slot for Kaio. There is cautious optimism in Corinthians camp that a deal could happen in 2026, should both clubs strategies align.

The background on Kaio Cesar is that he joined Al Hilal in 2023 from Vitória Guimarães, to play as a winger for the Saudi club. In the 2024-2025 period he contributed across competitions, with several important appearances and a growing set of numbers that hints at a higher level after recovery from his injury. He is widely regarded for his speed, technical ability and potential to develop into a key attacking weapon for either club, depending on where the negotiation leads.

His current contract and market status make Corinthians view a loan with option to buy as a practical route, especially given the financial considerations facing the club that seeks to bolster its attack without committing a large permanent fee up front.

Inzaghi’s earlier stance, the renewal of the team structure and the presence of other foreign players in Al Hilal could influence whether Kaio moves. Corinthians remain hopeful as they monitor developments and continue to position themselves for a possible 2026 re-unification with a player they have long coveted.