Soccer
Flamengo should have reinforcements for the clash with Estudiantes in the Libertadores
16 Set 2025 | 15:04
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Soccer
26 Mar 2025 | 12:44 |
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Flamengo is still evaluating the contract renewal of Giorgian De Arrascaeta , whose contract with the club runs until the end of 2026. The red-black board has already started talks with the player's staff, but the process is taking place slowly, since the main focus, at this moment, is the physical condition of the number 10. The club's strategy is to wait for the end of the Club World Cup, which will be played in the United States between June and July, to intensify the negotiations. The information was initially released by "ge" and reinforces the Mais Querido's stance on dealing with the situation with caution.
ARRASCAETA'S PHYSICAL CONDITION IS A CONCERN
Behind the scenes, Arrascaeta's physical condition is a recurring topic. The Uruguayan, a key player in Mengão's tactical scheme, has suffered from muscle problems in recent years, which has impacted his playing schedule. Therefore, the board and coaching staff are closely evaluating his recovery before making any decision about extending his contract.
BUSINESSMAN TRIES TO ANTICIPATE RENEWAL
Daniel Fonseca, the player's agent, recently met with the Flamengo board of directors to discuss a possible early renewal. However, Flamengo chose not to speed up negotiations, maintaining its stance of evaluating all factors involved before making any decision. The CRF's priority is to ensure that the player is physically fit to complete a new cycle at the club, in addition to analyzing the financial demands for a possible contract extension.
While Flamengo is adopting a cautious stance, rumors from the Minas Gerais press indicate that Cruzeiro wants to bring Arrascaeta back. The midfielder, however, has already made it clear that he does not intend to return to the Belo Horizonte team, remaining focused on his career at Mengão. Arrascaeta built a successful history at the Rio de Janeiro club, being a key player in achievements such as the 2019 Libertadores and several national titles. His desire is to continue competing at a high level and expanding his career in Brazilian football.
In parallel with negotiations with Arrascaeta , Flamengo continues to monitor the market for possible reinforcements. If the Uruguayan's situation takes longer or there are any unforeseen circumstances, the club may seek options to strengthen the creative sector. The board monitors players who can add quality to the squad, without compromising financial planning. The search for new talent has always been on the red-black team's radar, aiming to maintain competitiveness in all competitions.
Mengão faces the Argentine team with important absences that could impact the team's lineup and strategy at Maracanã this Thursday (18)
16 Set 2025 | 15:49 |
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Flamengo will have significant absences in this Thursday's (17) clash, at 9:30 pm, against Estudiantes, at Maracanã, for the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores . Among the big names that will be left out are midfielder Jorginho, full-back Alex Sandro and midfielder Pulgar.
Jorginho will miss the match against Argentina due to muscle swelling in his left thigh . Alex Sandro continues to recover from a left calf injury, while Pulgar is in the final stages of treatment after surgery on his right foot and will still require at least two weeks of physical therapy before returning to the squad.
With these absences, the coach will have to assemble a team with alternatives for midfield and left back. The likely starting lineup includes: Rossi; Royal (Varela), Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, Ayrton Lucas (Viña); Saúl, De La Cruz (Allan), Arrascaeta; Plata, Samuel Lino, and Pedro.
The absences could influence Flamengo 's game strategy, as they seek to advance to the Copa Libertadores semifinals. The return leg will be next week in La Plata, Argentina, against Estudiantes.
Striker Bruno Henrique and full-back Varela are the main names expected to return to the team after being absent last Sunday (14), against Juventude, for the Brazilian Championship. Both trained normally with the team this Tuesday (16).
Mengão has been frequently loaning players to national teams due to its star-studded squad, and the club must pay a sum for the athletes.
16 Set 2025 | 15:39 |
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Created to reward clubs that contributed players to the World Cup, FIFA's Club Benefits Program has been expanded. From now on, teams that have players called up for the qualifiers , such as Flamengo, will also receive financial compensation .
The announcement was made by the organization itself, which confirmed the distribution of more than R$1.8 billion to clubs that release players to national teams . This amount represents an increase of almost 70% compared to the last edition of the program, implemented during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Until now, the benefit was restricted to clubs that had players called up for the World Cup. With this change, FIFA aims to be more inclusive and reach a wider range of teams: "The new edition of the FIFA Club Benefits Program for the 2026 World Cup will go a step further and recognize, in economic terms, the immense contribution made by clubs and players from around the world to the celebration of the preliminary and final stages of the tournament," said Gianni Infantino, president of the organization.
For the 2022 World Cup, the amount distributed was US$209 million (approximately R$1.1 billion at the current exchange rate). For the 2026 edition, the amount will rise to US$355 million , which represents approximately R$700 million more. In the last edition, 440 clubs from 51 different federations were included.
The increased financial contribution was directly supported by Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, owner of PSG and president of the European Club Association (ECA) . He led negotiations that resulted in the program's expansion. Despite the initial focus on benefiting European clubs, the measure will have a global reach. After the announcement, Al-Khelaïfi celebrated the progress:
"More clubs around the world will receive a reward for releasing their players. Clubs play a fundamental role in the success of international football , and this initiative recognizes all aspects of that role, from developing younger players to releasing them to play in more important matches," he declared.
Analyst says that stadium renovations and elitism with excessive ticket price increases have eliminated the hostile atmosphere at Mengão.
16 Set 2025 | 15:14 |
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ESPN journalist André Galindo sparked debate by analyzing the current atmosphere at Maracanã , especially during Flamengo games . According to the commentator, the stadium has lost some of the intimidating atmosphere that characterized previous eras.
André Galindo, from ESPN: "At the old Maracanã, Flamengo was scary, but not anymore"
According to Galindo, the new Maracanã no longer commands the same respect from opponents as the old one. He recalled that, in the past, the pressure from the red-and-black fans made a difference on the field, something that seems to have weakened today.
" Flamengo at the New Maracanã is 'my house, your house.' There's no hostile atmosphere. At the old Maracanã, Flamengo was scary, but not anymore. The only stadium in Rio that can have a hostile atmosphere is São Januário . Other than that, no one can," he declared.
The journalist also criticized the lack of synchronicity among organized fan groups. In his view, the lack of unity harms the atmosphere in the stands , previously considered one of the strongest in South America.
"Flamengo doesn't scare anyone in the stadium these days. The fans don't sing, the organized fans don't sing together; it's disorganized . At the old Maracanã, yes, the old Flamengo fans were scary, but nowadays they don't scare anyone," he added.
In the analysis, however, Galindo did not take into account important points: Flamengo remains alongside Mirassol as the only undefeated team at home in the 2025 Brasileirão. After the duel against São Paulo in the Brasileirão, the tricolor's coach, Hernán Crespo, even gave 'thanks to God' that he would not face Mais Querido again at Maracanã .
Despite the criticism, Maracanã will be the stage for another decision. Next Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), Flamengo hosts Estudiantes (ARG) for the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals.
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