Flamengo takes a break before starting preparations for their debut in the Libertadores after a draw in the Brasileirão

Alex Sandro is one of Flamengo's most experienced players. The left-back, formerly of Juventus and Porto, arrived at the club in 2024 and quickly established himself as a starter on the left , despite fierce competition with Viña and Ayrton Lucas .

SAUDI PROPOSALS

This year, the athlete attracted interest from the Saudi Arabian market, receiving two offers from Al-Ahli, the team of former Manchester City striker Mahrez . The offers offered up to three times Alex Sandro's current salary. Information about the interest was revealed by journalist Jorge Nicola, but the full-back chose to decline the offers and remain at Flamengo .

FILIPE LUÍS' TRUST

Alex Sandro is one of Filipe Luís 's most trusted men, and he relies heavily on him. The red-and-black squad has three options for left-back : Alex Sandro, Ayrton Lucas, and Matías Viña. While a full-back is expected to be traded next year, the number 26 is unlikely to be chosen, and the final decision is expected at the end of the season.

The player was signed during Rodolfo Landim's administration, with Marcos Braz in charge. Fans appreciate the full-back's confident and focused style of play , which rarely drops in performance and consistently performs throughout the season.

NEXT APPOINTMENT

With Alex Sandro available, Flamengo is preparing to host Vitória in the 21st round of the Brazilian Championship. The duel between the red-blacks will be this Monday (25) at 9 pm (Brasília time). Mengão is the leader of the competition with 43 points , while Leão is in 17th place, the first team in the relegation zone, with 19 points.

Palmeiras remains active in the transfer market, seeking reinforcements. Verdão's priority is to sign a replacement for Richard Ríos as soon as possible . For coach Abel Ferreira, the arrival of a player with a similar profile is essential, as Ríos played a key role on the team.

President Leila Pereira endorses the coach's vision and has authorized Anderson Barros to sign the new signing during this transfer window. Among the names being considered, Andreas Pereira is once again an option , having already attempted to close the deal with the midfielder earlier this year .

NEGOTIATION RESUMED

The Brazilian midfielder was very close to Palmeiras in the first half of the year, but Fulham, from England, made negotiations difficult, and the deal fell through . Now, Andreas is showing a willingness to help Verdão, understanding that leaving the English club at this time is best for his career. Talks have resumed.

FLAMENGO OUT OF THE DISPUTE

Flamengo , led by Filipe Luís, expressed interest in the player, but ultimately prioritized other signings and will not enter the competition. With Flamengo out of the running, expectations are rising that Palmeiras will finally close a deal with Fulham and bring in Richard Ríos's long-awaited replacement.

WHEN WILL FLAMENGO RETURN TO THE FIELD?

While Palmeiras continues the charge for the midfielder, Flamengo is now only concerned with the next game of the Brazilian Championship , when they host Vitória at Maracanã for the 21st round on Monday (25) at 9 pm (Brasília time).

Pre-called to the Brazilian national team, Samuel Lino did not hide his enthusiasm for the moment he is experiencing at Flamengo . After qualifying for the quarterfinals of the Libertadores , the striker was asked about his decision to return to South American football and did not spare praise for the Rio de Janeiro club.

Samuel Lino: "I see Flamengo above many European teams"

"Every player has their own goals and dreams. Flamengo is a gigantic club, offering great conditions and structure . This attracts many players from Europe. Today, I see Flamengo above many European teams and as a giant in South America," the player said in the mixed zone at Beira-Rio. The statement reinforces his decision to leave Atlético de Madrid, a move he says has already proven to be the right one.

CAST POWERED BY FILIPE LUÍS

In addition to the structure, Samuel Lino highlighted Filipe Luís's role in his performance. At Atlético, he worked with Diego Simeone in a more defensive system , but at Flamengo, he found a model that values his attacking skills.

"Filipe Luís is a young, promising coach who has already won titles and has a style of play that is very appealing. He's an attacking, pressing, possession-based model, unlike Simeone , who prioritizes defensive consistency. I see a great future in him and I'm very happy to work with this system," he added.

FLAMENGO FAVORITE IN THE LIBERTADORES

With a spot in the quarterfinals secured, Flamengo will face Estudiantes. If they qualify, they will face Racing or Vélez in the semifinals. This favorable draw, combined with recent performance, makes Flamengo the main favorite for the title according to bookmakers, who further reduced the odds after the victory over Internacional.