Corinthians 2026: Hernández Exit Frees Foreign Spot

Corinthians have opened up foreign registration space for 2026 after terminating Héctor Hernández’s deal. The Spanish striker was released on Tuesday and has been unveiled by Portugal’s Gil Vicente on a contract running to 2027.

Hernández had been under contract until the end of 2026. The club said in a statement that the amicable termination will save the men’s football wage bill R$ 4.8 million.

Corinthians now have five foreign players in the squad. They are Memphis Depay, Rodrigo Garro, José Martínez, André Carrillo and Pedro Milans, the latter signed in this window.

Hernández had been out of the group since August 2025. The club have loaned defenders Félix Torres and Diego Palácios, and chose not to renew Ángel Romero. Talks to extend Fabrizio Angileri, whose deal expired at the end of 2025, are currently paused.

Foreign player rules differ by competition, and with a small contingent at present Corinthians are not in danger of breaching any limit.

In the Campeonato Paulista there is no cap on registrations, but only seven foreigners can be named on the team sheet, including starters and substitutes.

In the Campeonato Brasileiro there is likewise no registration cap, but only nine can be on the team sheet.

In the Copa Libertadores there is no restriction on foreign players being listed for a match.