
Soccer
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In the bustling scene of Brazilian football, every detail, no matter how small, can become a fundamental piece on the game board. And in the world of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, one of the largest in the country, tactical adjustments and strategic choices are elements that dictate the rhythm of battles on the pitch. However, not everything is rosy when it comes to putting together the ideal team to face the challenges that arise in each match. And in this context, a recent announcement generated waves of concern and detailed analysis on the part of fans and experts: the confirmed absence of midfielder Erick Pulgar for the crucial clash against Bangu.
Coach Adenor Leonardo Bachi, known Popularly known as Tite, a prominent figure in Flamengo's technical command, he found himself facing an unexpected setback when the absence of Erick Pulgar, a key player in his game strategy, was announced due to the accumulation of yellow cards. This setback came to light after the match against Volta Redonda, a duel that promised to be just another chapter in the club's saga, but which ended up becoming a watershed, bringing with it immediate consequences and developments that would reverberate throughout the season. .
The news of Pulgar's embezzlement took everyone by surprise. The Chilean, recognized for his technical skill and marking ability in midfield, had stood out as one of the pillars of the Flamengo team. His absence, therefore, would not just be a gap to be filled, but rather a challenge that would require a tactical restructuring on the part of the coaching staff and the search for immediate solutions to maintain the team's level of competitiveness.
In the duel against Volta Redonda, tensions were already palpable from the opening whistle. Flamengo, eager for a victory that would consolidate their position in the table, found an opponent determined not to make things easier. Amid disconcerting dribbles, precise passes and fierce tackles, Erick Pulgar found himself involved in a move that would change the course of not only the match, but also the team's next match.
It was apparently a move trivial, a ball dispute with the opposing player Wellington Silva, which Pulgar committed the foul that would result in his third yellow card. The scene unfolded quickly, almost imperceptibly amid the speed of the game, but its consequences would be felt sharply in the following days. The referee did not hesitate to show the card, and Pulgar, aware of the mistake he had made, left the field with his head down, anticipating the impact of his absence on the team's next match.
With the final whistle and the result of the game Once complete, the news of Pulgar's absence spread like wildfire through the club's corridors. In the stands, fans mourned the loss of such an important player at a crucial moment of the season. On social media, the hashtag #ForçaPulgar became a trending topic, demonstrating the fans' massive support for the Chilean midfielder and concern about the challenges that awaited the team without his presence on the field.
For Tite and his technical committee, Pulgar's absence represented not only an immediate problem to be resolved, but also an opportunity to test the adaptability and depth of the Flamengo squad. Behind the scenes at the club, emergency meetings were called, strategies were discussed and plans were drawn up to minimize the impacts of the significant casualty on the team's midfield.
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The player is on the radar of foreign clubs, but his departure depends on one clear condition: he will only be released in the event of a definitive offer.
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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.
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.
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.
Evander has a contract with Cincinnati until December 2027, and the North American club stipulated a value of 17 million euros to release him.
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After nearly signing with Flamengo last season, midfielder Evander, currently at FC Cincinnati in the United States, is in Botafogo's sights for the remainder of 2024. According to journalist João Van Boysen, the black and white club is competing for the signing of the 27-year-old player with Benfica in Portugal.
Evander's contract with Cincinnati runs until December 2027, and the North American club has set a fee of €17 million, approximately R$109 million, to release him. It's not yet known whether Botafogo intends to pay or negotiate a lower fee.
Revealed by Vasco, Evander was once in the plans of Flamengo's former management, who saw him as an immediate backup to Arrascaeta. At the time, however, negotiations with Portland Timbers, the club he played for before Cincinnati, ultimately fell through. Now, the midfielder's future is back on the Brazilian football radar.
The Rio de Janeiro club filed a complaint with the FIFA Player Status Resolution Chamber and now the Portuguese have been punished.
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The club filed a complaint with FIFA's Player Status Resolution Chamber. Leixões was supposed to pay the first installment, €175,000 (R$1.1 million), in November 2024. Flamengo demanded payment from the Portuguese club in January but has not received the amount.
The last charge was on January 14, 2025, when Flamengo gave Leixões 48 hours to pay the adjusted amount - 196,700 euros (R$1.2 million). The Portuguese team once again failed to comply with the agreement, and Flamengo went to FIFA to collect the debt, including fines, interest, and monetary correction.
On Tuesday afternoon, Flamengo issued a statement on its official website , informing that FIFA had punished Leixões with a well-deserved transfer ban . This means that the Portuguese club will not be able to register new players.
"Clube de Regatas do Flamengo informs that Leixões SC, from Portugal, was punished by FIFA with a Transfer Ban due to a debt with the Rio de Janeiro club, regarding the transfer of the athlete Werton. The decision of the highest entity of world football recognized Flamengo's request. Leixões will be prevented from registering new players for up to three transfer windows, or until the amount of 175 thousand euros is paid to the red-black club. The sanction comes into effect from this Tuesday (15)."
A highly successful player in Flamengo's youth academy, he was a gem of the club's nest. Werton made his professional debut for Flamengo in 2021, but never received many opportunities. He left the club with one goal in 12 games.