Ex-Corinthians duo lighting up Serie A and China | OneFootball

A pair of former Corinthians players are grabbing attention on the international stage and back home, according to UOL and Globo.

In Italy, Ederson—a midfielder with Corinthians on his CV—is at the centre of Inter Milan’s transfer plans following their Club World Cup defeat to Fluminense. The 25-year-old, now an established presence at Atalanta after spells with Salernitana and a recent call-up to Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad, has become a solution eyed by Inter as they contend with internal discord and the likely exit of Hakan Çalhanoglu. According to Mundo Deportivo, Atalanta are demanding a fee of about R$320 million for Ederson’s services, a reflection both of the midfielder’s rise and the urgency of Inter’s situation.

The context in Milan is tense. Lautaro Martínez, Inter’s captain, issued a stark message after the Fluminense loss, telling media, “I want to fight for major titles. Whoever wants to stay at Inter, let’s fight. But if you don't want to stay, you can leave. We need players who want to be here. We’re wearing an important shirt. We need a high-level mentality.” Club president Beppe Marotta publicly singled out Çalhanoglu as a source of disruption, with the player sidelined by injury for the tournament.

Ederson’s journey has been measured and upward—emerging at Cruzeiro, taking in a formative spell at Corinthians, then moving through Fortaleza and abroad to Italy. While unused in Brazil’s recent South American World Cup qualifiers, his reputation in Serie A is strong, recognized for his blend of physicality and tactical discipline.

Meanwhile, in China, striker Gustavo—better known as Gustagol—is making headlines of a different kind during his offseason. Now 31 and under contract with Shanghai Port since the start of 2024, Gustavo returned to Criciúma’s Antenor Angeloni training centre this week, the club that first launched his career in 2014. Before his move to Asia, Gustavo enjoyed spells at Bahia, Internacional, and earned particular notice with Corinthians in 2019, scoring 14 goals and notching three assists in 53 appearances. Globo notes he has adapted well in China, already tallying ten goals and two assists in 20 outings for Shanghai Port.

Gustavo’s visit was a nod to his roots—he’ll participate in informal training sessions at Criciúma’s facilities before returning to his club duties in the Chinese Super League. His continuing productivity at club level highlights the longevity some strikers find abroad after leaving the Brazilian top flight.

The contrasting fortunes of Ederson in Italy’s transfer market and Gustavo’s sustained relevance in Asia underscore the diverse paths taken by those who once wore the Corinthians shirt. Both remain in the spotlight, shaping narratives not just at Timão, but across continents.

(Sources: UOL, Globo)

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