Former Flamengo player could reinforce São Paulo giant in 2025 - says portal

Flamengo is close to confirming another international signing. Striker Michael Johnston, 26, should be officially announced as the club's new player in the coming days. The Irish athlete will arrive in Rio de Janeiro next Tuesday (8), coming from London, to undergo medical examinations and sign a contract with the Rio de Janeiro club. The information was released by journalist Cahê Mota, from the ge portal.

Having played for clubs in Scotland, Portugal and England, Johnston came through Celtic's youth ranks and made his professional debut in 2017. His peak for the Scottish club came in 2019, when he scored in the UEFA Europa League against Stade Rennais. Despite his potential, a series of injuries and intense competition within the squad have limited his prospects at Celtic.

In 2022, he was loaned to Vitória de Guimarães, from Portugal, and, at the beginning of 2024, he went to West Bromwich , from the English second division. His time in the Championship was positive, registering three goals and five assists, which aroused the interest of Mais Querido. The value of the negotiation is around R$ 37 million.

FEATURED IN ENGLAND

His good performances in English football earned Michael Johnston a call-up to the Ireland national team, for which he made his debut in March 2023. His first goal in an Irish shirt was scored a few months later, in a match against Gibraltar.

PLAYER HAS GOOD QUALITIES

The player plays as a second striker and is praised for his mobility on the field and good reading of the game . Now, he arrives at Flamengo as a bet to reinforce the offensive system in the final stretch of the season and increase competitiveness in the squad.

Flamengo opened the advance ticket sales window on Monday (7) for a series of heavy games at Maracanã. There will be five clashes with decisive importance, including matches from the Brazilian Championship, Copa do Brasil and Libertadores . The club is initially offering priority to members of the Nação Maraca 1 and Nação Sem Fronteiras plans.

MOMENT OF SUPPORT FROM THE FANS

The measure aims to ensure that the stadium is full when the team needs support the most. In addition, staggered ticket sales allow fans to choose which games they want to attend, without having to buy fixed packages.

The sequence begins on July 12th, with the match against São Paulo, valid for the 17th round of the Brasileirão. The expectation is for a full house when the competition returns after the break for the FIFA Date. Next, the calendar has decisive matches in store:

Flamengo x Fluminense (20/07) – Classic for the Brazilian Championship

Flamengo x Atlético-MG (27/07) – Key game in the fight for the top of the table

Flamengo x Atlético-MG (31/07) – Confrontation for the round of 16 of the Brazilian Cup

Flamengo x Internacional (13/08) – Direct duel for a place in the quarterfinals of the Libertadores

FLAMENGO HAS HIGH EXPECTATIONS

According to the club, the first to have access to the purchase are members of the higher plans . The system will follow the staggered pattern already used in previous matches, respecting the category and the order of priority defined in the membership contract.   Flamengo reinforces that the purchase can be made online, through the club's official website and through the partner sales platform, with the possibility of payment by card or Pix.

With the team still alive in the three main fronts of the season, the expectation is that Maracanã will receive an audience of over 60 thousand fans in each of the matches. In particular, the classic with Fluminense and the game against Internacional, for the Libertadores, should concentrate the biggest demand.

This Saturday (05), at 5 pm (Brasília time), Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund will star in one of the most anticipated games of the Club World Cup. The match will be held at MetLife Stadium, in New Jersey, in the United States , and brings together two European football powers in search of a place in the semifinals of the tournament.

Under the command of Xabi Alonso , the Spanish team arrives in high spirits after eliminating Juventus in the round of 16. On the other side, the German team, coached by Niko Kovac, advanced by beating Monterrey, from Mexico. Expectations for the match are high, with attention focused on the different styles of play and the performance of the main players in each squad.

WATCH LIVE ON CAZE TV

https://www.youtube.com/live/AcRG4aMn8vQ?si=nRuFbpglF2IZb0QQ

REAL MADRID ARRIVES WITH EXPERIENCE

Real Madrid are banking on their international experience and a squad full of experienced players to secure qualification. Coach Xabi Alonso has adopted a balanced tactical approach , combining possession control with efficiency in attacking transitions.

BORUSSIA DORTMUND BRINGS YOUTH

Borussia Dortmund, on the other hand, is counting on a young group, with players trained in its youth system and recent signings who add speed and intensity to the game. The victory over Monterrey highlighted the solidity of the game plan developed by Niko Kovac, who has stood out for his ability to reorganize teams and get the best out of the available squads.

HOW TO WATCH REAL MADRID VS BORUSSIA DORTMUND

Football fans will be able to watch the match on several channels and platforms. TV Globo will broadcast the match on free-to-air TV, while SporTV will broadcast it on subscription channels. For those who prefer to watch online, the game will be available on the streaming platforms Globoplay, DAZN and on YouTube, via the CazéTV channel.