FLAMENGO DEFENSE 'PRIORITY' NAME FOR THE JUNE WINDOW - SEE

Gabriel Barbosa, known as Gabigol, is experiencing a period of uncertainty at Cruzeiro. A reserve under Leonardo Jardim, the striker has already publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of minutes. " I'm looking for minutes, he (Leonardo Jardim) knows that ," he said after scoring the winning goal against Bahia last Monday (15).

According to information from journalist Jorge Nicola, Corinthians appears as a possible destination for the number 9 , former Flamengo player, who could be negotiated in 2026 if nothing changes until the end of the season.

CORINTHIANS EVALUATES COST-BENEFIT

The current Corinthians board sees Gabigol as an interesting opportunity, especially when compared to Dutchman Memphis Depay. According to the survey, Depay earns R$6 million per month, while the Cruzeiro striker's salary is R$2.4 million . Furthermore, the Brazilian is 31 years old, two years younger than the European.

The "courtship" between Corinthians and Gabigol isn't recent . There have been at least three previous negotiations. Internally at Cruzeiro, there's an understanding that the player's departure could be beneficial for both parties, as he arrived as a star and now plays a supporting role.

GABIGOL'S TRAJECTORY

Gabigol arrived at Cruzeiro on a free transfer after ending his stint with Flamengo. He has a four-year contract with the Minas Gerais club and has so far played 35 matches, scored 12 goals , and provided four assists.

An idol for the Rubro-Negro, the striker wrote one of the most successful chapters in Flamengo's recent history. Between 2019 and 2023, he played 308 matches, scored 161 goals, and won 13 titles , including two Copa Libertadores da América titles. His most memorable moment came in the 2019 final against River Plate, when he scored two decisive goals, cementing his nickname "Immortal Rubro-Negro."

Flamengo lost again in the lawsuit filed by Benedito Ferreira , the club's former security guard who worked during the fire at Ninho do Urubu in 2019. In the first instance, the professional won the right to receive compensation of R$600,000, including R$100,000 for moral damages and R$500,000 for material damages , in addition to a lifetime pension until the age of 78. Rubro-Negro can still appeal the decision.

Labor judge Bruno Andrade de Macedo imposed a 2% fine when he rejected Flamengo 's motion for clarification against the previous ruling. According to the judge, the motions were used with a "clearly delaying intent," unjustifiably delaying the delivery of the judicial decision and violating the principles of speed and efficiency.

CASE HISTORY

Benedito Ferreira helped rescue at least three victims during the Ninho do Urubu fire, which killed 10 young people from Flamengo 's youth academy in February 2019. He was fired in 2022, after working at the club since 2008, and filed two lawsuits against the institution , one while still an employee, demanding labor, social security and civil rights.

The main allegation is that Flamengo failed to register his dismissal with the INSS (National Institute of Social Security) due to the fire . The judge emphasized that, even if Benedito were reinstated in a different role, this would not eliminate his right to a monthly pension, considering the total reduction in his capacity to perform his previous role.

EXPERT REPORT

The case included a medical examination that found that Benedito suffers from Depressive Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, and Panic Disorder , with worsening symptoms and suicidal ideation. The report also concluded that the pathologies are occupational in origin, with a causal or concausal link between the injuries and his work at Flamengo.

The judge also considered Benedito's dismissal a "wrongful act," as the club was aware of the medical treatment required for the occupational injury . The expert stated that the security guard is "unfit with restrictions for the work he performed at the Defendant or any similar work," demonstrating a loss of fitness for his original role.

Flamengo's Deliberative Council (CoDe) meets this Wednesday (17) to present new information about the construction of the red-black stadium. The meeting will be held in the Salão Nobre da Gávea, in Rio de Janeiro, starting at 6:30 pm and ending at 8:30 pm, in a hybrid format, allowing virtual participation for those who cannot attend in person.

PURPOSE OF THE MEETING

The main purpose of the meeting is to present the results of studies conducted by the companies hired to analyze the Gasômetro site. President Luiz Eduardo Baptista is also expected to explain the reasons for the postponement . Topics will be discussed, including deadlines, construction costs, and the project's economic viability for Flamengo at this time.

STUDIES ON THE GASOMETER GROUND

Following the completion of the financial feasibility study commissioned by the Getúlio Vargas Foundation, the club's board of directors continues to conduct several analyses to ensure that the project will not harm the club's sporting performance . The studies include:

• Environmental investigation and soil contamination analysis;
• Risk assessment update;
• Definition of the best strategy for decontaminating the area;
• Survey of geotechnical and topographical data of the terrain.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME

While following developments at the stadium, Filipe Luís' team prepares for the next match: Flamengo x Estudiantes (ARG), this Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã , for the first leg of the Libertadores quarterfinals. The match will be broadcast on ESPN and Disney+.