It’s not a transfer window without this gossip-column dwelling centre-forward finding himself on the radar of at least one Premier League club.
It was West Ham United during the summer of 2023.
Corinthians president Duilio Monteiro Alves confirmed, a few months after that window closed, that he had rejected a £14 million bid from the London Stadium outfit for striker Yuri Alberto.
Then came Wolverhampton Wanderers.
HITC understands that Wolves tried to sign Alberto on loan with an £18 million option-to-buy clause included in the Brazil international’s contract. An offer that, as far as Corinthians were concerned, could be directed straight into the same recycling bin that housed the offer West Ham made a few months earlier.
Only time will tell, then, whether Southampton can succeed where West Ham and Wolves failed.
Southampton battling Wolves for striker Yuri Alberto
HITC have been told that, for the third window in succession, Yuri Alberto is attracting interest from England.
Wolves are back in the race but the former Zenit St Petersburg man is tempted by the chance to lead the Saints’ frontline under Russell Martin.
Southampton have drawn a blank in both of their Premier League matches so far. Last season’s play-off winners are desperate to land a number nine before the window closes in order to ease the pressure on Adam Armstrong, a prolific second-tier hitman who’s top-flight record leaves a lot to be desired anyway.
Southampton looked into the prospect of bringing former talisman Danny Ings back to familiar surroundings but 23-year-old Alberto now appears to be the more likely acquisition.
Lance say that a bid has been launched to bring Alberto the South Coast on loan with a £17 million purchase clause.
Corinthians, meanwhile, are among a very select group of clubs who have never been relegated in their professional history. That proud tradition is under a very real threat right now, however.
The Sao Paulo-based giants are loitering in 18th place, only four points off the bottom.
And, for former Timao hero Walter Casagrande, the prospect of star man and top scorer Yuri Alberto leaving with the threat of a historic relegation looming would give even the most confident supporter a nasty case of insomnia.
Corinthians in danger of relegation for the first time
“When Yuri Alberto came on to replace Pedro Raul, Corinthians improved,” Casagrande told Fim de Papo after Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Fortaleza. “He moves, he is combative, he is determined.
“Now, if Yuri Alberto leaves, forget it, Corinthians’ attack is nothing. Corinthians needs a guy who can score six goals in the next 14 games, and that will give Corinthians points.
“They need to score goals that will give Corinthians points so they can win three or four games.”
Alberto has found the net 17 times this season but only four of those have come in the league.
Southampton are also chasing reinforcements at the other end of the pitch. Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow is expected to replace veteran glovesman Alex McCarthy as Martin’s number one with The Saints having submitted a £10 million bid last week.
Feyenoord coach Brian Priske has now admitted that talks between the 2023 Eredivisie champion and Southampton are ongoing.
“I can’t confirm Justin’s departure yet,” Priske tells ESPN. “He is a true Feyenoord player. It’s no secret that talks are ongoing, but we’ll only let you know when everything has been finalised.
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