Former Flamengo player Adriano Imperador reveals why he would win the Ballon d'Or

The tension between Flamengo and Palmeiras has heated up again after new statements involving the political dispute in Libra, the league that brings together Brazilian football clubs. During a meeting of the Deliberative Council on Tuesday night (7), Flamengo president Luiz Eduardo Baptista, known as Bap, presented to the councilors data on the impasse with the entity and accused the group of disrespecting internal rules in the division of television revenues.

In addition to questioning the criteria adopted by Libra, the director took advantage of the meeting to provoke Leila Pereira, president of Palmeiras , citing an R$80 million loan from Crefisa, the company she owns, to Vasco da Gama's SAF.

" I have no doubt that there is a very clear agenda. The company she presides over lent money to Vasco's SAF . This needs to be questioned, especially when it comes to Financial Fair Play," Bap said, according to the UOL portal.

LEILA PEREIRA RESPONDS

The day after her statements, Leila Pereira publicly responded to the provocations. The president of the São Paulo club stated that she works to strengthen national soccer and emphasized that she always honors signed contracts, including those prior to her tenure.

"President Bap is right when he says I have a clear agenda. Everyone knows that I defend Palmeiras' interests without trying to stifle my opponents, and that I work hard for the growth of Brazilian football," Leila declared in an official statement.

The executive also mocked comments about a possible purchase of Vasco, denying any involvement with the Rio de Janeiro club. "He can rest assured. I'm not buying Vasco. In fact, I'm not buying Vasco or Netflix ," the businesswoman added mockingly.

DEADLOCK BETWEEN FLAMENGO AND LIBRA

The disagreement between Flamengo and Libra has been intensifying in recent weeks. The Rio de Janeiro club alleges irregularities in the approval of financial and administrative agendas within the entity, including alleged errors in assemblies and improper transfers. The case is likely to be taken to court, which could delay a potential agreement and increase political tension between the clubs.

Flamengo made significant investments in the last transfer window, bolstering a squad that was already among the strongest in the country. However, one area ended up taking a backseat: defense . Despite analyzing names and receiving suggestions for defenders, the board opted not to sign any reinforcements for the position at this time.

According to ge, the club assessed that there was no immediate need to invest in the sector , understanding that Filipe Luís already has three defenders at national team level. Despite this, the lack of options proved problematic.

DEFENSE UNDER INTENSE LOAD

Currently, the red-and-black squad has Léo Ortiz and Léo Pereira as regular starters, with Danilo and Cleiton as bench options. Fans, however, are wary of the alternatives. Danilo has struggled physically and hasn't been able to play a regular game , while Cleiton, a product of Ninho do Urubu, is still seen as a developing athlete, far from reaching the level required by the main team.

This limitation of options has led the two starters, Léo Ortiz and Léo Pereira , to play in almost every match, which increases wear and tear and concerns about the tight schedule , the duo even had a streak of 12 consecutive games.

BASE JEWELS CAN GAIN SPACE

According to ge, the topic should return to the board's agenda at the end of the season, when the need for defensive reinforcements will be reassessed . For now, the football department intends to focus on youth talents like João Victor and Iago, who should receive more opportunities in 2026.

The club's idea is to maintain the strategy of recent years, using the Campeonato Carioca as a showcase for promising young players and, gradually, also inserting them into the Brasileirão , which will now take place parallel to the state championship due to changes in the calendar.

Flamengo's hero at the U-20 World Cup, Iago is in a special phase and has been closely monitored by the coaching staff. João Victor, meanwhile, is internally considered the "future of the Flamengo defense." Despite this, both have received few chances in the first team under Filipe Luís.

Even with the transfer window closed, the transfer market remains busy behind the scenes. Executives and agents are already planning the negotiations that could take place at the turn of the next season . In the case of Flamengo, the Rio de Janeiro club has already defined the positions it intends to strengthen and has begun receiving offers from players recommended by international agents.

According to journalist Fabrício Lopes, Argentine midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, currently with Real Betis, was offered to Mengão . The player was expected to be an alternative to Uruguayan Arrascaeta , a reinforcement considered strategic for the team. However, the club's board chose not to move forward with the negotiations.

According to the investigation, the club assessed that the athlete's history of injuries would be a risk factor for the investment . Therefore, the talks did not continue, and the deal was completely ruled out by the club's directors.

PLAYER HAS ALREADY BEEN OFFERED

Lo Celso , 28, had already been considered by other Brazilian clubs, such as Grêmio, but without any concrete progress. Real Betis was reportedly willing to negotiate a deal for around €6 million (approximately R$35 million), a fee considered affordable within the national market.

FLAMENGO REMAINS FOCUSED ON THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

While monitoring potential market opportunities, Mais Querido is focusing on the rest of the Brazilian Championship's Série A season. After the FIFA deadline, the team returns to action on August 15th at 7:30 pm in a classic against Botafogo . Currently, the club is in second place and is looking to maintain its position in the national title race.