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Former player Vampeta analyzed the Brazilian football scene after the transfer window closed and left no doubt about his prediction: for him, Flamengo is the big favorite to win the Brazilian Championship , ahead of Palmeiras and Cruzeiro.

Vampeta on Flamengo and Palmeiras' windows: "Flamengo's window, for me, is much more interesting"

COMPARISON BETWEEN FLAMENGO AND PALMEIRAS IN THE WINDOW

Commenting on the investments, Vampeta highlighted that Palmeiras spent around R$700 million, but didn't bring in any names that justified such a figure, with the exception, in his view, of Andreas Pereira . Flamengo , on the other hand, according to him, was more strategic, spending less than half that amount and bolstering its squad with internationally renowned players.

" Flamengo spent half, and you can identify all these players . Samuel Lino has a long history with Atlético Madrid. Emerson Royal played for Tottenham and Milan. Carrascal is called up to the Colombian national team. Saúl played for Atlético and the Spanish national team for many years."

In the former player's view, Flamengo's transfer window was superior: "Flamengo's transfer window, for me, is much more interesting. They brought in top-tier players at lower prices. At Palmeiras, only Andreas Pereira occasionally makes the national team . To be worth R$700 million?!"

TETRA'S DREAM

Flamengo is seeking its fourth Libertadores title, an unprecedented feat so far, as among the Brazilian teams that have already won three titles, only "Mais Querido," Palmeiras, and São Paulo remain in the competition . Vampeta recalled the rivalry between the clubs and emphasized that São Paulo remains a dangerous contender.

"There are eight champions left. It could be Flamengo, which had fewer titles. Will São Paulo maintain its hegemony of being the first to win more than everyone else? There will be that rush as well. For the Brazilian Championship, I think São Paulo will finish in the top seven. In the Libertadores, São Paulo will surpass LDU. I don't know if Palmeiras will surpass River Plate."

Bayer Leverkusen's target has been Filipe Luís, who has rejected Flamengo's first contract renewal offer . The initial obstacle stems from the young coach's salary , as he remains in talks with the Flamengo board.

According to journalist Fabrício Lopes of the newspaper O Dia, in addition to a salary increase, Filipe Luís is asking for improvements to his coaching staff and the club's training center . These demands are central to the current negotiations.

Despite Bayer Leverkusen 's (GER) interest, there is optimism behind the scenes that the parties will reach an agreement soon. Filipe Luís's priority is to remain in Brazil until at least 2027 , continuing the work he began in his first season as coach.

CURRENT TECHNICIAN SALARY

Currently, the coaching staff led by Filipe Luís receives approximately R$800,000 per month , a figure far from the top salaries paid in Brazilian soccer. According to Jorge Nicola, Palmeiras' Abel Ferreira leads the rankings with R$3 million per month, followed by Corinthians' Dorival Jr., who earns approximately R$2 million.

FILIPE LUÍS' POSITIVE NUMBERS

In charge of the Rio de Janeiro club, Filipe Luís has played 63 official matches, winning 43, drawing 16, and losing only six . In 2024, he won the Copa do Brasil and, this year, leads the Brazilian Championship with Flamengo , cementing a promising start to his coaching career.

Flamengo remains active behind the scenes, even after the last transfer window closed. The Rio de Janeiro club was one of the biggest investors in Brazilian football this year, with high-profile signings , but failed to secure the arrival of a more mobile center forward, which was one of the board's main goals.

Among the names considered was Argentine Taty Castellanos , currently with Lazio in Italy. Talks progressed at one point, but the Italian team refused to release the striker for negotiations.

CASTELLANOS RETURNS TO THE TARGET LIST

According to the portal The Laziale, Flamengo has once again placed Castellanos among its strategic targets for 2026. The expectation is that the red-black board will make a new attempt to sign him in January , during the pre-season.

At 26, the striker is seen as a market opportunity and, according to the publication, would be willing to return to South America . He also welcomes the possibility of playing for Flamengo in the near future.

JUNINHO GETS A NEW CHANCE

While monitoring the international market, coach Filipe Luís is expected to once again rely on striker Juninho. The player, who was close to leaving the team this summer, ended up staying and should gain more space in the squad rotation throughout the season.