Soccer
09 Jan 2025 | 12:55 |
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Flamengo is very close to confirm the signing of Juninho, a 28-year-old striker who currently plays for Qarabag, from Azerbaijan. This Wednesday (8), Rubro-Negro sent an official proposal to the European club, in response to a request from coach Filipe Luís, who played a fundamental role in convincing the player to refuse an offer from < b>Sevilla, from Spain.
Discreet career in Brazil, but success abroad
Juninho began his career in Brazilian football with spells at smaller clubs such as GE Brasil (Brasil de Pelotas), Grêmio Novorizontino, Figueirense and Vila Nova, in addition to being formed at the base of Athletico-PR. However, it was in European football that he stood out, playing for Estoril, Chaves and, more recently, for Qarabag.
Virtues highlighted by teammate
In an interview with GE, Brazilian midfielder Júlio Romão, Juninho's teammate at Qarabag, highlighted the characteristics that make the striker a rare piece in Brazilian football:
“O Juninho is a different center forward than many we have in Brazilian football today. We usually have a goal scorer or a more mobile one, but rarely a very fast like him. His speed and movements are incredible, he passes through markers with ease. That’s why he scored so many goals with us.”
Romão also praised Juninho's ability to decide games with individual plays, highlighting that he can fill the lack of fast attackers in Brazil .
“It can solve a game out of nowhere. In Brazil, there is a lack of players with his profile. I'm sure it will show why big clubs like Flamengo and Sevilla are interested in him.”
Adaptation to Brazilian football
Although the level of the Azerbaijani league is far from the main European competitions, Romão believes that Juninho's experience in a championship physical and limited space can prepare you for the challenges in Brazil:
“The league here It's very physical, with contact games and little space. Despite this, Juninho showed his quality, and I'm sure he can make a difference at Flamengo.”
Expectation of the Red-Black Nation
Juninho could be Flamengo's first reinforcement for 2025, reinforcing the squad after Gabigol's departure. The formalization of the contract depends on the acceptance of the proposal sent to Qarabag. If it comes to fruition, the striker arrives in Brazil with the challenge of maintaining the high level he presented in Europe and meeting the expectations of a club with ambitions of winning all the titles next season.
In addition to CSKA, from Russia, two teams from outside Brazil are also in the race to secure the services of the Mengão midfielder.
02 Ago 2025 | 17:45 |
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Matheus Gonçalves' fate is still up in the air. The young Flamengo player is in advanced negotiations with CSKA Moscow in Russia, but two other foreign teams have also expressed interest in signing him .
The information was released by journalist Gabriel Reis, from the Paparazzo Rubro-Negro channel. According to him, an intermediary involved in the negotiations with CSKA confirmed that two other clubs are in the running —one from the United Arab Emirates and another from Europe, but without participation in the continent's major leagues, a profile similar to that of the Russian club.
So far, no official proposals have been sent to Flamengo by these two competitors, and they may formalize their interest. However, offers are expected to be formalized in the coming days, with values similar to those presented by CSKA .
The main difference lies in the percentages of economic rights. Flamengo is considering whether it prefers to secure a larger sum upfront or a higher percentage in a future sale , which could directly influence the player's future.
Matheus Gonçalves was already being watched by the international market , but his strong performance as a starter against Atlético-MG in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil round of 16 increased the interest of foreign clubs. The youngster's performance increased his chances of being traded this summer.
Despite praise from coach Filipe Luís, the player has received little playing time on the main squad . Therefore, on several occasions, he has requested to play for the U-20 team in search of match fitness. Now, Matheus could be rewarded with a transfer to a team where he has more opportunities to play.
At a press conference, the striker mentioned a conversation with the black and white athlete before deciding to return to Brazilian football to play for Mengão.
02 Ago 2025 | 16:32 |
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Officially presented this Friday (1), striker Samuel Lino gave his first press conference as a Flamengo player. One day after making his debut in the red and black shirt, the number 16 made a point of highlighting that returning to Brazilian football does not represent a setback in his career — on the contrary .
During his conversation with reporters, Lino revealed that he had spoken with Corinthians striker Memphis Depay while on vacation in Brazil. According to him, even the Dutchman was impressed by the progress of Brazilian football .
Flamengo's Samuel Lino spoke with a Corinthians player: "I met Memphis on vacation"
"About a month ago, I said to my mother: 'Imagine me going back to Brazil, closer to my family.' I never thought about my age. The Brazilian market has grown a lot, and the World Cup showed that . I played against Botafogo in the last round [for Atlético Madrid] and they gave us a hard time. They also have a lot of quality. Football in Brazil is experiencing enormous growth. I met Memphis while on vacation in São Paulo and he commented on the development of the structure and the level of play here," said the striker.
At 25, Samuel Lino has played in the Champions League and six seasons in European football. Despite his success on the Old Continent, he didn't hesitate to accept Flamengo's project , aiming for titles and a spot in the 2026 World Cup with the Brazilian national team.
"When Flamengo 's interest came up, I never thought, 'I'm young, I have to stay in Europe.' I always told my agent: Flamengo is a huge club in Brazil . If it were European, it would still fight for titles. When the project is good and will help you grow, showcase your skills, and do what you love, there's no such thing as age," he added.
In addition to Samuel Lino, Flamengo has already finalized the signings of Saúl Ñíguez, Emerson Royal, and Jorge Carrascal —a deal still awaiting official announcement. The club is also still in the market and is in talks with Fiorentina for striker Lucas Beltrán.
Flamengo returns to the field this Sunday (03), at 6:30 pm, to face Ceará at Arena Castelão, for the 18th round of the Brazilian Championship . The match will be broadcast on the Premiere channel (pay-per-view), Record and Cazé TV.
Mengão heads to Fortaleza to face Ceará in the Brasileirão with returning players, but also without Filipe Luís in the starting lineup.
02 Ago 2025 | 14:51 |
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Flamengo's journey in the fight for the Brazilian Championship title continues this Sunday (03), when the team faces Ceará, at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), at Arena Castelão, for the 18th round of the competition. This Saturday (02), coach Filipe Luís released the list of players related to the confrontation .
Filipe Luís is still without Michael and Danilo, both of whom have been medically injured. Nico De La Cruz remains out, undergoing physical reconditioning. Flamengo, on the other hand, will have important reinforcements for the match. Arrascaeta and Jorginho, who missed the Copa do Brasil match against Atlético-MG , are back. The recent debuts of Samuel Lino, Emerson Royal, and Saúl are also among the highlights of the call-up.
Two names were left off the list for specific reasons. Luiz Araújo was rested due to physical activity management, aiming to avoid strain that could lead to muscle injuries . Goalkeeper Matheus Cunha was not included due to patellar tendinitis in his left knee. Both remained in Rio de Janeiro. Flamengo heads into the 18th round of the Brasileirão (Brazilian Championship) as leader, with 36 points. Cruzeiro, with 34, is second, but has already played one more match.
After completing preparations this Saturday, Flamengo takes to the field this Sunday (03), at 6:30 pm , against Ceará, at Arena Castelão. The match will be broadcast live on the Premiere channel (pay-per-view), Record and on Cazé TV.
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