Corinthians to Receive R$ 2 Million from Gabriel Martinelli's Sale to Al-Hilal

Gabriel Martinelli has left Arsenal and signed with Al-Hilal, from Saudi Arabia, in a deal worth 70 million euros. The amount caught the media's attention because, through FIFA's solidarity mechanism, Corinthians is entitled to a portion of the sum.

How Corinthians' Share Works

The solidarity mechanism, created in the 2000s by FIFA, guarantees training clubs financial compensation when an athlete is transferred internationally. Corinthians, where Martinelli played in the youth categories, is entitled to 0.5% of the amount paid by Al-Hilal. This percentage corresponds to approximately R$ 2 million.

What Ituano also gains from the sale

Besides Timão, Ituano – the club where Martinelli completed his development after leaving Corinthians – also participates in the mechanism. The club will receive approximately R$ 49 million, reflecting its role in the forward's career before his transfer to Arsenal.

Martinelli's History at Corinthians and Arsenal

Martinelli arrived at Corinthians at the age of six, starting in futsal and, four years later, transitioning to field football. In 2015, he moved to Itu, where he began playing for Ituano. In 2019, Arsenal paid R$ 30 million to the São Paulo-based club to sign the forward, who spent seven seasons, playing 278 games, scoring 62 goals, and providing 34 assists, in addition to winning the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the FA Community Shield.

Desire to Return to Timão

In an interview with Itatiaia, agent Marcos Casseb, who represents Martinelli, stated that the forward dreams of returning to Corinthians. According to Casseb, Martinelli has a four-year contract with Al-Hilal, until he is 29, and wishes to “one day, wear the São Paulo club's jersey again.”

Impacts for the National Team and Martinelli's Future

The forward still has chances to remain in the Brazilian National Team, provided he maintains good performance at Al-Hilal. In his new team, Martinelli has already scored a hat-trick and has three goals in four games, reinforcing his international visibility despite the change of continent.

With information from Terra, LANCE!.