Former Flamengo, Vini Jr and Real Madrid enter the field by Champions League

Striker Vitinho, recently signed by Corinthians , was officially presented at the São Paulo club this Tuesday. The former Flamengo player highlighted the warm welcome he received from Hugo Souza, Gustavo Henrique and Matheuzinho , players who played alongside him at Rubro-Negro.

"Matheuzinho (full-back) kept asking me if I was coming and I couldn't talk. He was a bit anxious, he wanted me to come and be here with him. They welcomed me with open arms, and that makes things much easier. I had this moment of welcoming them to the base. And now it's the other way around. Gustavo Henrique (defender) is someone with whom I have a very good relationship. It's good to be here with them," said Vitinho.

EX-FLAMENGO AWAITS DEBUT

Despite his expected debut, Vitinho still doesn't have a confirmed date for his appearance for Corinthians . The striker emphasized that he needs time to adapt and be fully prepared physically.

Former Flamengo player Vitinho admits his anxiety at Corinthians: "I'm looking forward to my debut"

"I'm really looking forward to starting to play. But I really need some time. The staff is very qualified to get me in playing condition. I'm looking forward to making my debut, in the best possible conditions , given the situation we're experiencing today," said the new number 29.

PASSAGE THROUGH FLAMENGO

Vitinho played for Flamengo between 2018 and 2022, winning nine titles during his time there, including the Brasileirão, Copa Libertadores, Supercopa do Brasil, and Campeonato Carioca. At the São Paulo club, he reunites with former teammates with whom he played for Flamengo 's youth academy and first team, strengthening his connection with the group.

21-year-old striker Matheus França is on Cruzeiro's radar for the remainder of the season. Revealed by Flamengo and sold for €20 million two years ago , the player lost his place at Crystal Palace and is negotiating the possibility of playing on loan in Brazilian football. Negotiations are still in their early stages, but there has already been contact between the player's representatives and the club's board.

A standout in the Brazilian national team's youth ranks, Matheus França was promoted to Flamengo's senior team in 2022, scoring six goals in the victorious Libertadores and Copa do Brasil campaigns. In 2023, under Vítor Pereira, he maintained strong performances, with three goals and an assist in the first half of the year , before moving on to the Premier League.

The sale to Crystal Palace was brokered by John Textor, who was impressed by the youngster's performance in an under-20 match against Botafogo. The deal included a fixed €20 million and an additional €5 million in bonuses for targets that were not met.

INJURIES AND LACK OF SPACE

Physical problems, such as back and thigh injuries, limited the Brazilian's adaptation to English football. In two seasons, Matheus França played 19 matches, scoring one goal and providing one assist. Despite being part of the FA Cup-winning squad, he missed key moments , such as the recent Super Cup against Liverpool, when he wasn't even included in the squad.

CRUISE PRIORITIZES AGREEMENT

Cruzeiro sees the loan as an opportunity to strengthen its squad without a significant immediate investment. The goal is for the player to get more playing time , while Crystal Palace seeks a destination that will favor his development. The deal's completion will depend on the English club's willingness to facilitate the transfer.

The Italian press has once again mentioned Taty Castellanos as a target for Flamengo, but internal sources confirm that the board is not in talks with the Lazio player. According to an investigation by Gazeta do Urubu , major signings would only happen if there was an unexpected departure or serious injury to a starter.

The obstacle is related to the punishment imposed on the Roman club, which received a transfer ban for failing to meet financial requirements. The measure prevents the registration of new players until September , making immediate replacements impossible in the event of departure negotiations.

Castellanos , who played 40 games last season and 46 the previous season , is seen as a strategic part of the squad. President Claudio Lotito assured coach Maurizio Sarri that there would be no more losses in the squad. The promise was reaffirmed by sporting director Angelo Fabiani: "I shook the coach's hand twice," he told the Italian newspaper.

POSITIVE PLAYER ATTITUDE

According to the foreign publication, Lazio analyzed the striker's performance during a friendly against Burnley in England. Castellanos came on in the final minutes, appeared calm , and expressed no interest in leaving the club, reinforcing the board's commitment to keeping him.

FLAMENGO LOOKING FOR CENTER FORWARD

In the market, Rubro-Negro is looking for a number 9 with different characteristics than Pedro , prioritizing a more mobile and versatile player in attack. Names like Taremi, Beltrán, and Castellanos were evaluated, but without significant progress.