Soccer

Would there still be a vacancy? Flamengo's old wish wants to return to play in Brazil in 2025

The midfielder has a contract with Zenit (RUS) until June 2027

06 Jan 2025 | 19:22 |

The transfer window opened last Friday (03) and Flamengo is keeping an eye on market in search of reinforcements for the cast. With that in mind, an old dream of Rubro-Negro opened up about the future of his career. This is because, Wendel, current Zenit (RUS) player, is enjoying holidays in Brazil and does not wish to remain at the Russian club.

According to information from journalist Raisa Simplicio, Wendel wants to return to playing in Brazilian football. It is worth remembering that the player has already been linked to Mais Querido on a few occasions. However, if Flamengo wants to resume negotiations for the midfielder, a big problem will be the asking price requested by Zenit: 20 million euros (R$ 126.7 million).

How is the player currently?

Wendel arrived at Zenit at the end of 2020, coming directly from Sporting (POR) for 20 million euros (R$ 132 million at the time). For the Russian club, the player played in 142 matches, scoring 21 goals and providing 54 assists. It is worth noting that the midfielder's contract with the Russian team is valid until June 2027.

It was almost

Flamengo came close to signing midfielder Wendel in mid-2023. At the time, in August, Mais Querido offered 15 million euros (R$78 million) for the player to Zenit. However, the Russian team's directors denied Rubro-Negro's proposal, causing the conversation between the teams to end.

Fla in the window

Meanwhile, Flamengo remains attentive in the transfer market. So far, Mais Querido has not announced new reinforcements for the 2025 season, but is speculating players. For now, Fla's priorities are a striker and a defender, but the club is also observing athletes for other positions. Finally, it is important to highlight that the hiring window closes on February 28th.

Last minute

Soccer

Exclusive: Boto adopts a low profile and resolves pending issues behind the scenes at Flamengo

After a turbulent start, the Mais Querido director reduces public exposure, improves the internal environment and conducts strategic negotiations to strengthen the squad.

Boto adopts a low profile at Flamengo, reduces exposure and conducts strategic renewals to strengthen Flamengo - photo: reproduction

13 Set 2025 | 15:29 |

After a turbulent start to the season, Boto decided to reduce external communication and focus on internal results. The Flamengo director, who initially spoke openly to the press, both after matches and through digital channels, decided to change his stance after successive leaks of important information .

At the request of president Luiz Eduardo Baptista (Bap) after a long meeting, Boto stopped any direct contact with major media outlets , starting to work more privately behind the scenes at the club.

The change in approach was accompanied by results . After a positive transfer window, in which he sought to fulfill coach Filipe Luís's main requests, the manager also managed to calm internal friction. Players like Arrascaeta , De La Cruz, and Pedro, who previously had a distant relationship with Boto, now have a more fluid and relaxed dialogue.

NEGOTIATIONS AND RENEWALS

Currently, Boto continues working on specific renewals, such as those of Filipe Luís and Arrascaeta. He also participated in sales negotiations for promising young players from the youth academy , such as Matheus Gonçalves and Lorran, reinforcing the strategic and quiet approach of his management.

NEXT COMMITMENTS

While the board moves behind the scenes, Flamengo focuses its efforts on the next matches of the 2025 season. In the 23rd round of the Brasileirão Betano Série A, the Rio de Janeiro team faces Juventude this Sunday (14), at the Alfredo Jaconi Stadium . Soon after, Mengão faces Estudiantes in the Libertadores, on the 18th.

Would there still be a vacancy? Flamengo's old wish wants to return to play in Brazil in 2025