Flamengo squad finalizes preparations for match against Santos this Tuesday

Flamengo's transfer window has not gone unnoticed among Brazilian clubs — and has caused some discomfort. After the 0-0 draw between Bahia and Sport, last Saturday (02), coach Rogério Ceni made a statement when commenting on his club's difficulty in bringing in reinforcements, directly citing the signing of striker Samuel Lino by the Rio de Janeiro club.

Former Flamengo player Rogério Ceni talks about Bahia's transfer market: "If I were just going to spend any amount, I would bring Samuel Lino"

"Do you think we won't try to do what's best? There's a limit. There's no point in me telling you. If we were just going to spend any amount, we'd bring in Samuel Lino (from Flamengo ), pay €22 million, and that's it, we'd solve the problems . But that's not how it works. We don't have the capacity to make a signing like that," Ceni said in a post-match press conference.

HOW IS FLAMENGO'S MOVEMENT IN THE MARKET?

Brazilian soccer's second transfer window opened on July 10, and Flamengo began cautiously, simply monitoring the market . However, in the following weeks, the board accelerated and brought in four key reinforcements: Saúl Ñíguez, Emerson Royal, Samuel Lino, and Jorge Carrascal.

The first signing of the transfer window, Saúl Ñíguez arrived on a free transfer after terminating his contract with Atlético de Madrid. The signings of Emerson Royal, Samuel Lino, and Jorge Carrascal cost a combined €43 million (approximately R$273.5 million) .

IS FLAMENGO LOOKING FOR MORE REINFORCEMENTS?

Even after these four high-profile signings, the club is ruling out any further "crazy" moves in the transfer market. However, it is still negotiating with Fiorentina (ITA) for striker Lucas Beltrán. Flamengo has already reached a financial agreement with the Italian club , but is now trying to convince the Argentine player to return to South American football.

Last Saturday (02), Flamengo officially signed midfielder Jorge Carrascal , making him the fourth reinforcement of the current transfer window. The Colombian signed a four-year contract and had his name published in the CBF's Daily Information Bulletin (BID) , which makes him eligible to play in national competitions. However, he will not be able to play in the decisive match against Atlético-MG, for the Copa do Brasil.

PRESENTATION AND FIRST TRAINING

Carrascal only participated in one official training session with the red-black squad. His presentation took place this Monday (05), during a press conference at Ninho do Urubu. After speaking to the press, the midfielder went straight to the field and carried out his first activity under Filipe Luís' command.

Despite already being regularized by the CBF, the player was not registered in time for the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil . Therefore, he will be out of the return match against Atlético-MG, this Wednesday (6), at Arena MRV, in Belo Horizonte.

CARRASCAL COULD MAKE HIS BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP DEBUT

Unable to play in the Copa do Brasil, Carrascal will continue training with the group and could be selected for the upcoming Campeonato Brasileiro matches , a competition in which he is already eligible to play. The Colombian is expected to make his Flamengo debut soon.

CARRASCAL HIGHLIGHTS IN THE 2024/25 SEASON

Playing for Dynamo Moscow, Carrascal enjoyed his best season since arriving in Europe . Check out the player's stats:

• 35 games
• 8 goals scored (personal record)
• 3 assists
• 2 games for the Colombian National Team
• 37 matches in total this season
• 2,318 minutes on the field
• 1 goal participation every 211 minutes
• 34 shots , 18 on target
• Conversion rate of 20.6% (1 goal for every 4.86 shots)
• Average of 43 passes per game , with 79% accuracy
• xA (expected assists) of 0.23 per 90 minutes , placing him among the best performing attacking midfielders in the Russian league

Atlético-MG and Flamengo face each other again this Wednesday (6), at 7 pm (Brasília time), in a match valid for the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. The match will be held at Arena MRV, in Belo Horizonte , with live broadcast on the Premiere and Sportv channels.

In the first leg, played at Maracanã, Galo won 1-0, which guarantees them the advantage of playing for a draw . Meanwhile, the Rio de Janeiro Red-Black team needs a simple victory to take the decision to penalties or win by two goals to guarantee direct qualification.

Psychic Reveals Letters

Psychic Luiz Filho, known for his channel Renascer das Cartas, shared his spiritual predictions for the clash between the Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro teams. According to him, the cards reveal a balanced outlook, but slightly favorable to the home team . " Atlético-MG came with the High Priestess card. This indicates a good understanding of the game and strategic preparation. The club will know how to capitalize on the result and turn it into an advantage," said the psychic.

For the Mais Querido side , the reading was less comfortable : " Flamengo also has a difficult card, which is the "Hanged Man" card, of resilience. They'll need to use their creative side. I see a lot of balance; Atlético-MG will have a good start. Flamengo may struggle, but they'll have a lethal outcome. However, I see more possibilities for Atlético-MG."

RETROSPECT BETWEEN ATLÉTICO AND FLAMENGO

2006 (Quarterfinals): Fla 4x1 (Maracanã) / 0x0 (Mineirão) – Flamengo advanced

2014 (Semifinal): Fla 2x0 (Maracanã) / Atlético 4x1 (Mineirão) – Atlético advanced

2022 (Round of 16): Atlético 2x1 (Mineirão) / Fla 2x0 (Maracanã) – Flamengo advanced

2024 (Final): Flamengo champion.