It arrived! Ex-Flamengo is announced as the newest reinforcement of rival Rio

The Pedro and Filipe Luís case continues to generate controversy . Former Flamengo player Alecsandro appeared on the Panela SporTV program and expressed a strong opinion on the recent controversy involving the number 9 and the coach of the "Mais Querido" (Flamengo). The former athlete defended the striker and condemned the extensive use of technologies, such as GPS, to assess performance.

Alecsandro recalled his experience in the final stages of his career, when physical data often indicated he was the lowest on the team in sprints, speed, and movement. However, he emphasized that his role on the field as a center forward was much more specific and could not be evaluated in the same way as other players.

Alecsandro criticizes Filipe Luís: "I had a coach who didn't talk to the athlete and put the guy to play."

He continued: "Because the guy was performing well and had to play. On the other hand, when Filipe talks about the last in the physical part, the last in I don't know what... brother, Pedro is there to score goals. At the end of my career, I got this modern football with GPS. And I was always the last."

NUMBERS EVALUATIONS DO NOT CONSIDERS THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS OF PLAYERS

According to Alecsandro, the statistics used in soccer and training don't consider the true responsibilities and roles of each player on the field: "But I'd tell the guys: 'I'm going to score the goal and it'll end 2-1, 1-0, with a goal by me.' But I couldn't run faster than Marcos Rocha or Dudu. I was the last in my physical abilities," he said before adding:

But within the limits of my speed, I was good. So, from my perspective, he exaggerated a lot of what Filipe demanded. Pedro is a player who works in a specific area of the field, running 9 or 10 km, while a defensive midfielder runs 20 ," the former Flamengo player noted.

PEDRO STILL IS OUT OF THE RELATED LIST

Thus, despite Alecsandro's criticism, coach Filipe Luís kept Pedro out of the list of players involved in the match against Santos, this Wednesday (16). Flamengo faces the São Paulo team at Vila Belmiro, at 8 pm, for the 14th round of the Brasileirão.

Flamengo is keeping an eye on the transfer market and could invest heavily to strengthen its attack. Following the controversy surrounding Pedro , the club is evaluating its options and has entered the race to sign Taty Castellanos, a forward for Lazio and the Argentine national team. The information was initially revealed by journalist Venê Casagrande.

FLAMENGO OPENS UP ABOUT NEGOTIATIONS

Valentín "Taty" Castellanos is 26 years old, Argentine, and currently plays for Lazio in Italy . A South American soccer sensation with notable stints at MLS clubs and Girona in Spain, the striker is known for his physical strength, intense movement, and eye for goal.

VALUES DEFINED AT THE TABLE

Lazio has indicated that it will only negotiate the player's transfer for €25 million—equivalent to approximately R$160 million at the current exchange rate. The amount is considered high by Brazilian soccer standards, but Flamengo is analyzing ways to make the investment viable. Castellanos and Flamengo have already reached an agreement: the contract length and base salary are aligned.

The Argentine, in fact, has reportedly expressed excitement about the possibility of playing in Brazilian football, specifically for the red-and-black team. The search for a new number 9 has intensified following the tension between Pedro and the club. The controversy surrounding the striker and assistant coach Filipe Luís has worsened the situation, and the player's departure is being considered behind the scenes. As a result, Castellanos's name has gained traction.

In recent days, a Middle Eastern team approached Flamengo with the intention of loaning Michael , but the Rio de Janeiro club's response was blunt: no . The proposal was rejected by president Luiz Eduardo Baptista, known as BAP, who ruled out any possibility of releasing the striker on loan.

According to journalist Jorge Nicola, Flamengo "is only willing to do business if there are definitive offers." The board believes the striker still has a market and will only leave Ninho do Urubu if concrete financial compensation is received.

THE PLAYER ASKED FOR THE MOST LOVED ONE TO LEAVE

Michael, nicknamed "Little Robot" by the fans, has expressed his desire to leave. With limited space under Filipe Luís, the striker was not included in the squad for the last match against Santos and remained in Rio to treat ankle pain. Internally, he has already informed the coaching staff that he prefers to seek new surroundings.

FUTURE PROBLEMS

Despite this, Flamengo is being cautious. Michael's contract runs until 2028 and he earns one of the highest salaries in the squad, which limits his options on the market. One of the clubs monitoring the situation is Qatar's Al-Duhail, but no official offer has been submitted yet. The board is treating the situation cautiously. Although the player is considered negotiable, there is no rush to sell him.

Flamengo understands that Michael could be useful throughout the season if no advantageous offers emerge. Therefore, the refusal to loan him is strategic. The ideal scenario for Flamengo is to find a permanent buyer during this window, which would generate revenue and free up space on the payroll. However, with the Asian market still buoyant, the club has not ruled out further inquiries in the coming days.

Another name under the spotlight is Pedro . The number 9 is not having the best time at the club and was left out of the match against Santos after public criticism from coach Filipe Luís. His situation is seen as delicate . Palmeiras was even mentioned as interested, but ruled out any approach due to the game limit in the Brasileirão. Even so, negotiations with foreign clubs are still possible this window.