Flamengo schedules Juninho's presentation - Check date and time

Flamengo's board of directors has already been informed about the formal interest of two foreign clubs in Gerson . Zenit, from Russia, took the lead in the negotiations and reached a preliminary agreement with the player's staff, offering a contract with a salary three times higher than the current one at Rubro-Negro.

Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr also entered the fray. The Saudi club's main asset is Jorge Jesus, who is close to being announced as the new coach. The Portuguese coach made a direct request to the board for Gerson, with whom he had an excellent relationship at Flamengo between 2019 and 2020.

FLAMENGO UNDERSTANDS THE NEGOTIATION FOR GERSON

Both clubs have signaled that they are willing to pay the midfielder's release clause: 25 million euros (approximately R$160 million at the current exchange rate). The amount would be paid in cash, something that pleases the red-black board, which considers it difficult to keep the player in view of the situation.

Gerson may have played his last match wearing the Flamengo shirt on Sunday (29), in the 4-2 defeat to Bayern Munich, in the round of 16 of the Club World Cup. The number 8 scored one of the team's goals in the match and was applauded by the fans present.

PROPOSALS ARRIVE ON THE TABLE

At 28 years old, Gerson is in his second stint at Flamengo . After shining between 2019 and 2021, he was sold to Olympique de Marseille and returned to the Rio de Janeiro club in January 2023, at the request of the coaching staff and with the support of the board. Since then, he has become a central player in the squad. In addition to his protagonism on the field, Gerson is now one of the leaders of the squad . Captain, and in his absence he goes to Arrascaeta, the midfielder plays an important role behind the scenes, has a good relationship with coach Filipe Luis and is respected by veterans and youngsters in the group.

Gerson's contract with Flamengo runs until the end of 2027, but has a clause that allows him to leave immediately upon full payment of the fine. The amount of 25 million euros was stipulated upon the player's return to the club and is seen as acceptable given the current market. With Gerson's imminent departure, Flamengo has already started to evaluate options on the market. The board is working calmly, but admits the need to strengthen the midfield sector. The club does not want to give up competitiveness and is planning an impactful signing.

The dream is unfortunately over! Flamengo fought, tried, but it didn't work. That's because the team led by Filipe Luís ended up losing at Hard Rock Stadium to Bayern Munich by 4x2 , on an afternoon where individual mistakes were crucial for Rio's elimination from the FIFA Club World Cup. The Germans qualified for the quarterfinals to face PSG, from France.

SUMMARY

Bayern were superior from the start of the game and began to pressure Flamengo very early on. In the first five minutes, the Germans pressed high, which made things difficult for the red-and-blacks. Rossi and Wesley failed to get out of the way, until the full-back gave Bayern a corner. On the second consecutive kick, Kimmich took the shot, and Pulgar headed it into his own goal , opening the scoring with an own goal. Before the 10th minute, Bayern Munich scored the second. In another mistake when clearing the ball, Arrascaeta was dispossessed, and Harry Kane scored from outside the area. Nervous, Flamengo only got into the game five minutes later, when they began to threaten the Germans with attacks. Luiz Araújo was stopped by a miracle by Neuer, who made a great save. The game became an exchange between the two teams until the 32nd minute, when Gerson scored a great goal, after a cross from Luiz Araújo. When Flamengo tried to launch an attack, another mistake in defense proved fatal. Luiz Araújo disarmed the ball in the defense area and cleared it to the midfield, where Goretzka was able to control it and finish for the goal, scoring Bayern's third.

In the second half, the red-and-black team tried to launch more attacks and in the 9th minute, after a cross and the ball hit Olise's hand, Flamengo scored with Jorginho from the penalty spot, giving hope to the team from Gávea. However, what could have been a reason for a comeback ended up serving as a reason for the German team, who, with experience, knew how to take advantage of another mistake to increase the score again. In the 27th minute, Luiz Araújo tried to dribble through Flamengo's defensive midfield, but was disarmed by Laimer.

The midfielder hands the ball to Kimmich, who passes it beautifully to Harry Kane. The English forward puts the ball in the back of the net. It's Bayern Munich's fourth goal! After the goal, Flamengo took a cold shower and for the German team, all they had to do was keep up the pace and wait for the English referee to end the game.

AND NOW?

With the defeat, Flamengo is eliminated from the FIFA Club World Cup. The Rio de Janeiro team had a good campaign in the competition and returns home with its head held high. Now, the focus is on rest and getting ready for the rest of the season, as it has the Campeonato Brasileiro, Libertadores and Copa do Brasil to play.

Flamengo faces Bayern Munich on Sunday afternoon (29), in a match valid for the round of 16 of the Club World Cup. However, Mais Querido had a major absence in the match, Erick Pulgar, who may have fractured his foot after a strong tackle on Harry Kane.

After a strong tackle on Harry Kane, Erick Pulgar was left on a stretcher and taken directly to the hospital. In a statement, Flamengo highlighted that the midfielder will undergo tests on the fifth metatarsal of his right foot.

OFFICIAL NOTE FROM FLAMENGO:

"Erick Pulgar, substituted in the first half of Flamengo x Bayern Munich, went to the hospital to undergo tests on the fifth metatarsal of his right foot."

POSSIBLE SHORTAGES FOR THE SEASON?

Therefore, if Erick Pulgar 's injury is confirmed, Flamengo may be without the player for the next competitions. Remembering that Rubro-Negro can make a replacement in the market, since the opening of the transfer window is approaching.

AND NOW?

Flamengo was eliminated from the Club World Cup and now the red-black players have been given a few days off before returning to activities focused on the Brasileirão. The Mais Querido will only return to the field at the end of July.