As if the world champions needed a boost after their recent triumph in Japan, Corinthians look set to lure a young (if struggling) Brazilian star back home, with AC Milan attacker Alexandre Pato close to a €15 million move back to Brazil.
Various sources have confirmed the agreement, with Milan president Adriano Galliani reportedly in Brazil to finalize the deal to unload the oft-injured star.
The acquisition would be part of a stockpiling from the Timão that also includes the capture of Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Renato Augusto. Pato’s soon-to-be-former teammate, Robinho, has also linked with the club, though he now appears destined to land elsewhere in Brazil.
Pato has been at Milan since moving from Internacional one month before his 18th birthday, getting off to a strong start with the club after debuting in January of 2008. Over his first three-and-a-half seasons, the 2009 Serie A Young Footballer of the Year scored 50 goals in 102 league appearances.
Over the last two seasons, muscular issues have restricted Pato to 15 games and one Serie A goal.
Corinthians chief executive Duilio Monteiro Alves expressed no trepidation about Pato’s fitness while talking up the coup.“He is an exceptional player. Our medical department and physiotherapists are already following Pato and are going to work with him.
“We hope that in the first week of January we can give him as a gift to Corinthians’ fans.”
Regardless of the enthusiasm, Pato’s departure from Milan will be seen as a disappointment. Having started so strong at such a young age, the Brazilian was expected to develop into one of Europe’s best players. With injuries making appearances sporadic over the last two years, Pato’s become better known for his relationship with Barbara Berlusconi (granddaughter of the club’s infamous owner) than his goals.
With the emergence of Stephan El Shaarawy as Milan’s new young star, Pato’s further faded into the background. As a result, a transfer that would have been unthinkable two years ago will receive few complaints even as Milan lose near €7 million on the deal.
But even with Pato’s struggles and diminishing value, the signing is a coup for Corinthians and the Brazilian league. More and more, Brazil’s biggest teams are able to compete to bring big names back from Europe. In some cases, they can fight to prevent them from leaving in the first place.
It’s all part of the slow but now prolonged ascendence of Brazil’s Campeonato. For years we’ve heard about the power of the country’s strong currency, but when you see €15 million laid out for a player, a league’s power starts to transcend rhetoric.
Pato is just the latest example of that power, but given Brazil’s climb, he’s won’t be the last. With many of big clubs tying their own hands by overspending on players, Brazil’s giants may be as active in the winter window as some of Europe’s giants.