Author: Amrit Santlani
Brazilian striker Roger Guedes has confirmed his departure from Sport Club Corinthians Paulista. The player is expected to join Qatari side Al-Rayyan in the middle of the season. The 26-year-old scored 21 goals during this period and will be sorely missed by Corinthians, who did their best to keep the player. The club tried to offer Roger a contract extension, but the player was determined to move to the Gulf state.
Having joined Corinthians in August 2021, Guedes has played 126 games, scoring on 43 occasions. 31 of those goals were scored at the Neo Química Arena, where he remains the top scorer.
Although official figures for Roger’s transfer are still awaited, Corinthians own 40% of the player’s economic rights. He is expected to play for Al Rayyan in the Middle East, who are managed by former Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim.
The Qatari side have already signed Brazilian winger Gabriel Pereria and midfielder Thiago Mendes, as well as investing heavily in striker Rodrigo from Leeds United.
Speaking about his departure, Roger Guedes said that he tried his best to postpone his departure, but due to the insistence of his new club, he will have to leave in a few weeks.
“I really thought about staying, there was a request from Duilio too, he made me offers, but I wanted to go there with my family, I made that decision, I was very happy here, but it was an offer I had to think about,” the striker told SporTV.
“I tried to stay for the last game, but the window closes on the 18th, it was their request that I go now. Then I tried again to stay until the 16th, but we couldn’t, I tried to help Corinthians, but we couldn’t, they open on the 17th, so that’s it, it’s the best for me” he added.
As for Corinthians, the club will now have to find a replacement for Guedes’ goals.