With proposals from Saudi Arabia, Michael defines his future at Flamengo

Flamengo beat Atlético-MG 1-0 last Wednesday (06), at Maracanã, but ended up eliminated from the Copa do Brasil after the draw on aggregate and the defeat on penalties. One of the penalty takers who wasted his chance was young Wallace Yan , who received public support from Matheus Gonçalves right after the game.

In a post on Instagram stories, Matheus, who also graduated from Ninho do Urubu, left a message of encouragement to his teammate: " We're together. Keep your heads up. We need you ," declared the number 20.

The two have played together since the youth teams and are seeking to establish themselves in Flamengo's professional squad. This solidarity demonstrates the group's unity in the face of a difficult time. Coach Filipe Luís and midfielder Jorginho also expressed their support for the striker.

WHAT HAPPENED TO WALLACE YAN?

Wallace Yan, a starter in the second leg, had the chance to decide the match. In the 36th minute of the second half, after a cross from Samuel Lino, the ball deflected off the defense and fell to the number 64, who nearly scored with a header . In the penalty shootout, however, the youngster ended up missing his shot—just like Samuel Lino—sealing the red-and-black team's elimination.

Wallace was also one of the protagonists of the match, due to his taunts and verbal exchanges with Atlético-MG players, which further increased the spotlight on his performance . Filipe Luís defended the player's character after the team's elimination from the Copa do Brasil.

WHEN IS FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME?

In search of emotional and sporting recovery, Flamengo returns to the field this Saturday (09), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), against Mirassol , at Maracanã, for the 19th round of the Brazilian Championship. The expectation is that Wallace Yan will continue to receive support from the cast and the coaching staff.

Cruzeiro continues to monitor the situation of Matheus Gonçalves , a 19-year-old attacking midfielder who came through Flamengo's ranks . According to information released by journalist Thiago Fernandes, talks between the boards were already at an advanced stage, with an agreement to sell 50% of the player's economic rights for 3.5 million euros (approximately R$22.7 million).

However, after a strong negative reaction from the red-black fans on social media, the Rio de Janeiro club chose to withdraw from the negotiation , temporarily ending any possibility of a transfer.

CRUZEIRO STILL INTERESTED

Even with the suspension of negotiations, the Minas Gerais club remains interested. Raposa believes in the youngster's talent and believes he could contribute significantly to the current squad . However, sources close to Cruzeiro indicate that they will only resume talks if Flamengo reevaluates its position and agrees to resume negotiations.

NEGATIVE RECEPTION FROM THE FANS

The retreat came in response to a massive outcry from fans, who harshly criticized Matheus Gonçalves 's potential departure to a direct competitor on the national stage. Considered one of Flamengo's most promising young talents recently , the young midfielder is still seen as a player with significant potential for future appreciation.

In light of this, the board opted to preserve the asset and avoid further damage to the fans , who expressed dissatisfaction with the idea of negotiating the athlete while he was still in the technical development phase.

Despite the 1-0 victory over Atlético-MG, last Wednesday (06), at Maracanã, Flamengo ended up eliminated from the Copa do Brasil in the round of 16 , after a draw on aggregate and defeat on penalties. One of the red-black reinforcements in this window, Saúl Ñíguez was the target of criticism from the Spanish newspaper Diario AS .

AS on Flamengo's Saúl: "Saúl's consolidation in Brazilian football will still take time"

In an analysis published after the match, the outlet highlighted the midfielder's lackluster start in Brazil: "Saúl's arrival in Brazil wasn't the best. The Spanish player played his third match for Flamengo and was eliminated from the Copa do Brasil. In three games, he left a bitter taste in his mouth and suffered his first setback since arriving in South America."

ADAPTATION WILL TAKE TIME

The newspaper also recalled that the Spaniard's debut was in the first leg against Galo, when Flamengo was defeated in Belo Horizonte, and pointed out that adapting to Brazilian football will still be a challenge . Saúl spent almost two months on vacation before arriving in Brazil.

"Filipe Luís used him again, bringing him on in the second half. He came on eager to help, but Saúl's consolidation in Brazilian football will still take time— something that has cost him dearly in recent seasons . Still, he demonstrated his composure by converting the team's third penalty," the publication highlighted.

HOW WAS SAÚL'S PERFORMANCE?

Saúl Ñíguez started on the bench and came on 20 minutes into the second half, replacing Gonzalo Plata. Participating in a few offensive plays, the Spaniard was unable to extend the lead in regulation . He converted his penalty in the penalty shootout, but saw Flamengo lose.

WHEN IS FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME?

Now with full focus on the Brasileirão, Flamengo returns to the field this Saturday (09), at 6:30 pm, at Maracanã, against Mirassol, for the 19th round. Mengão is the leader of the championship with 37 points. The expectation is that Saúl will remain at the disposal of the technical committee.