Soccer
What will the pitch look like for Bahia vs. Flamengo? Arena director gives his opinion
04 Out 2025 | 12:56
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Soccer
19 Mai 2025 | 19:36 |
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Flamengo resumed training this Monday (19) with full attention focused on the decisive game against Botafogo-PB, valid for the third phase of the Copa do Brasil. The duel takes place this Wednesday (21), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at the Maracanã stadium.
The red-black technical committee is considering repeating the strategy used in the first leg, once again fielding an alternative team, prioritizing the preservation of important athletes before the clash with Palmeiras in the Brazilian Championship.
According to the Coluna do Fla team, the plan involves using players who already played in the 1-0 victory in the first leg, such as Matheus Cunha, Danilo, Evertton Araújo, Ayrton Lucas and Juninho . On that occasion, the alternative team secured an advantage on the scoreboard with a goal by young striker Joshua. Now, a draw is enough to ensure qualification to the next phase of the competition.
The main news among those involved could be the return of Arrascaeta. The Uruguayan midfielder has a chance of being included in the list of players called up, although the tendency is for him to start on the bench. Another name with a good chance of being kept in the starting lineup is full-back Wesley , who will be suspended for the next Brasileirão match and, therefore, should remain among the starters on Wednesday.
The midfield sector will be the most affected by injuries. De La Cruz was diagnosed with a knee sprain and will not be able to play. In addition to him, Allan, Erick Pulgar and Viña remain under medical care and are confirmed to be absent for the match. The absences force the coach to look for alternatives in the youth team and among the reserves with more recent game rhythm at Flamengo .
The player lost his place under coach Filipe Luís and the rise of Ayrton Lucas to Alex Sandro's immediate reserve in the position
04 Out 2025 | 18:00 |
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Left-back Matías Viña has been on a tear at Flamengo in recent weeks. With the experienced Alex Sandro a regular starter, the Uruguayan has lost his place in the squad rotation and seen his playing time decrease. Before that, Viña was already competing directly with Ayrton Lucas for the position , but a recent injury has only made the competition worse.
Behind the scenes, the player's name was mentioned in speculation about possible departures in the next transfer window. However, the situation has changed , and an internal shake-up could ensure his continued presence at the club .
According to journalist Fabrício Lopes, the trend within Gávea is for Alex Sandro to play primarily as a center-back , once again opening up space for Viña and Ayrton Lucas at left-back. With this change, the Uruguayan should once again be used more by Filipe Luís, especially in games that require greater defensive solidity. Therefore, the Uruguayan is unlikely to be traded and will remain in the red-and-black squad for the remainder of the season.
Flamengo returns to the field this Sunday (5), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), to face Bahia, at Arena Fonte Nova, in a duel valid for the 27th round of the Brasileirão . The team led by Filipe Luís seeks to maintain the leadership of the competition and increase the advantage over direct competitors.
Flamengo currently sits first in the Brazilian Championship with 55 points, followed by Palmeiras (52 points), Cruzeiro (51) and Botafogo (43). A victory away from home in Salvador would be another important step in the fight for the Série A title.
The defender is a regular starter for coach Filipe Luís and is highly valued on the market, receiving constant inquiries, leading to demand from the English club.
04 Out 2025 | 17:00 |
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Leader of the Brasileirão and semifinalist of the Copa Libertadores, Flamengo is not limited to just competing for the 2025 titles. The red-black board is already planning the next season and working on two fronts: important renewals and specific reinforcements to keep the squad at a high level, in addition to dealing with the pressure on important players, such as Léo Ortiz .
According to journalist Fabrício Lopes, English clubs are watching defender Léo Ortiz, and Nottingham Forest has expressed formal interest . Despite this, the defender isn't convinced that leaving Flamengo for a lesser-known club would be advantageous at this time. Internally, the Rio de Janeiro club also has no intention of facilitating a possible exit.
With a contract until the end of 2028, Léo Ortiz is seen as a key player in the Flamengo defense. Behind the scenes, Flamengo has made it clear that it will only open negotiations for a sum considered very high , capable of enabling the signing of a replacement of the same level—or higher.
Fabrício Lopes on the search for Léo Ortiz, from Flamengo: "Nottingham Forest made an inquiry for the red-black defender"
"Nottingham Forest made an enquiry about the Flamengo defender, but Flamengo 's internal order is to renew with everyone who can leave and only negotiate players preferably abroad . And for a value that allows Flamengo to replace at a level or even better," revealed Fabrício Lopes.
In September, the club rejected a proposal of approximately R$114.5 million from a Turkish team. The offer was promptly rejected, reinforcing the board's firm stance on maintaining the main squad . In addition to Ortiz, Flamengo is also working to renew the contracts of Léo Pereira and Pedro, shielding the group from European pressure. The strategy includes salary increases and contract extensions to ensure security in future transfer windows.
Léo Ortiz, for his part, is cautiously evaluating any move. The defender fears losing visibility for the Brazilian national team if he moves to a lesser-known club before the 2026 World Cup . Therefore, the player believes that remaining with Flamengo, the national leader and a continental standout, is the safest way to stay on Italian Carlo Ancelotti's radar and maintain a high level of competition.
Among the priorities are the renewals of Filipe Luís and Arrascaeta, in addition to maintaining the starting lineup. At the same time, the club is keeping Lazio striker Taty Castellanos on its radar as a target for the attack in January. The Argentine's agents are already negotiating his exit from the Italian club.
Real Madrid striker remains the most valued Brazilian in world football, but let his place on the podium slip away after a disappointing season
04 Out 2025 | 16:00 |
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A Flamengo product and now a top star at Real Madrid, striker Vinicius Júnior has seen his market value drop again . According to the specialist website Transfermarkt, the Real Madrid number 7 is now valued at €150 million , marking a cumulative loss of €50 million in 2025 alone.
The drop is significant for an athlete who, not long ago, was at the top of world football as the most valuable player on the planet , valued at an impressive €200 million, a figure that continues to represent the top spot, but this time it is Lamine Yamal.
The year 2025 has been challenging for the Brazilian. Vini Jr. 's devaluation occurred in two stages: first, a €30 million drop, followed by a further €20 million reduction in the most recent update . Even so, the striker remains a key player at Real Madrid and one of the great technical icons of his generation.
Despite the loss, Vini Jr. remains the most valuable Brazilian player on the planet , ahead of names like Rodrygo, Endrick, and Gabriel Martinelli. This brand reinforces his prestige on the international stage and his consolidation as a leading player in European football.
With the fall, Vini Jr. left the podium of the world's most expensive players. Barcelona's youngster Lamine Yamal took the top spot with €200 million , followed by Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappé, all valued at €180 million.
Check out Transfermarkt's updated top 10:
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