Now: Cruzeiro moves forward with signing former Flamengo midfielder

Striker Vitinho, recently signed by Corinthians , was officially presented at the São Paulo club this Tuesday. The former Flamengo player highlighted the warm welcome he received from Hugo Souza, Gustavo Henrique and Matheuzinho , players who played alongside him at Rubro-Negro.

"Matheuzinho (full-back) kept asking me if I was coming and I couldn't talk. He was a bit anxious, he wanted me to come and be here with him. They welcomed me with open arms, and that makes things much easier. I had this moment of welcoming them to the base. And now it's the other way around. Gustavo Henrique (defender) is someone with whom I have a very good relationship. It's good to be here with them," said Vitinho.

EX-FLAMENGO AWAITS DEBUT

Despite his expected debut, Vitinho still doesn't have a confirmed date for his appearance for Corinthians . The striker emphasized that he needs time to adapt and be fully prepared physically.

Former Flamengo player Vitinho admits his anxiety at Corinthians: "I'm looking forward to my debut"

"I'm really looking forward to starting to play. But I really need some time. The staff is very qualified to get me in playing condition. I'm looking forward to making my debut, in the best possible conditions , given the situation we're experiencing today," said the new number 29.

PASSAGE THROUGH FLAMENGO

Vitinho played for Flamengo between 2018 and 2022, winning nine titles during his time there, including the Brasileirão, Copa Libertadores, Supercopa do Brasil, and Campeonato Carioca. At the São Paulo club, he reunites with former teammates with whom he played for Flamengo 's youth academy and first team, strengthening his connection with the group.

The Italian press has once again mentioned Taty Castellanos as a target for Flamengo, but internal sources confirm that the board is not in talks with the Lazio player. According to an investigation by Gazeta do Urubu , major signings would only happen if there was an unexpected departure or serious injury to a starter.

The obstacle is related to the punishment imposed on the Roman club, which received a transfer ban for failing to meet financial requirements. The measure prevents the registration of new players until September , making immediate replacements impossible in the event of departure negotiations.

Castellanos , who played 40 games last season and 46 the previous season , is seen as a strategic part of the squad. President Claudio Lotito assured coach Maurizio Sarri that there would be no more losses in the squad. The promise was reaffirmed by sporting director Angelo Fabiani: "I shook the coach's hand twice," he told the Italian newspaper.

POSITIVE PLAYER ATTITUDE

According to the foreign publication, Lazio analyzed the striker's performance during a friendly against Burnley in England. Castellanos came on in the final minutes, appeared calm , and expressed no interest in leaving the club, reinforcing the board's commitment to keeping him.

FLAMENGO LOOKING FOR CENTER FORWARD

In the market, Rubro-Negro is looking for a number 9 with different characteristics than Pedro , prioritizing a more mobile and versatile player in attack. Names like Taremi, Beltrán, and Castellanos were evaluated, but without significant progress.

Michael's departure from Flamengo is getting closer . No longer in coach Filipe Luís's plans, the 29-year-old forward faces direct competition from Bruno Henrique, Cebolinha, and newcomer Samuel Lino , which has considerably reduced his opportunities on the field.

The player's last game was a draw against Los Angeles FC on June 24th in the Club World Cup . Since then, he hasn't played again and was even left off the bench, as he did against São Paulo on July 12th. This situation raised alarm bells behind the scenes about his future at the club.

DEFINITIVE DEPARTURE

Behind the scenes, there's an understanding that a temporary release wouldn't bring significant benefits . Therefore, alternatives such as a permanent sale or another type of agreement may soon be considered.

Even though he has recovered from an ankle injury, Michael was not included in the squad for the clashes against Atlético-MG, for the Copa do Brasil, and for the game against Mirassol, for the Campeonato Brasileiro . He is also expected to miss the match against Internacional, for the Libertadores, this Wednesday (!3).

AL ULA SENDS PROPOSAL

Flamengo recently received an offer from Al Ula, from Saudi Arabia, which included a one-year loan with a payment of 2.5 million dollars (approximately R$ 14 million) and an option to buy at the end of the contract.

Despite the value, the board rejected the deal because they understood that the format did not meet the club's sporting and financial interests.