Soccer

Flamengo holds on to Gerson and is not afraid of Zenit's attack: Board's trump card is revealed

Russian club returns to the fight for the number 8, but Rubro-Negro remains firm and says it does not want to negotiate the midfielder in this window

Gerson in action for Flamengo: number 8 has his contract renewed and the termination fee is increased for foreign clubs. 📸 Photo: Gilvan de Souza / CRF
Gerson in action for Flamengo: number 8 has his contract renewed and the termination fee is increased for foreign clubs. 📸 Photo: Gilvan de Souza / CRF

08 Jun 2025 | 23:59 |

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With the international transfer window open, inquiries and offers for Flamengo players are heating up again. One of the names being discussed is Gerson, a target for Zenit from Russia. The European club made another attempt to sign the number 8, but met with immediate resistance at Gávea. Flamengo's board responded with an official statement warning about the termination clause and reiterating that it does not intend to release the player.


More than a public stance, there is an internal conviction that the current scenario does not favor a departure. Gerson recently renewed his contract with Rubro-Negro. And with that, the value of the termination clause for abroad became 25 million euros (approximately R$ 159 million). The amount, according to the club, will only be accepted if paid in cash — which significantly restricts the range of interested parties.


APPARENT PROBLEMS


Before the renewal, the fine for the foreign market was €200 million, which is unrealistic. The reduction brought the amount to a more plausible level, but the requirement for immediate payment remains a barrier. In addition to the contractual aspect, Flamengo does not believe that Gerson is an easy target for the Europeans at this time. According to information from journalist Venê Casagrande, three factors fuel this calmness behind the scenes.

GERSON WANTS TO LEAVE?


The first is age. Gerson is already 28 years old, which, for the European market, represents a less attractive profile for high investments, especially considering resale. Another point is the player's recent history. Gerson has already had two stints in Europe, both with return to Brazil. The first in Italian football, and the second at Olympique de Marseille itself, before returning to Flamengo. This weighs on the evaluation of clubs that avoid betting on athletes who have not established themselves abroad.

Finally, the third factor is financial. The clause can only be paid in cash, without installments. In the opinion of the Flamengo leadership, few clubs in the current European scenario are in a position to pay such a large sum immediately. Zenit, which recently lost players in midfield and is looking for reinforcements, is one of the few clubs outside the five major leagues that has the financial structure for this type of investment. However, to date, there has been no formal proposal that meets Flamengo's demands.



Soccer

Arrascaeta scores, reaches 15 goals and celebrates Flamengo's qualification

Uruguayan is in great form in 2025, scored in the 2-0 victory over Internacional and highlighted the importance of securing advancement to the quarterfinals

Arrascaeta celebrates goal at Beira-Rio and reaches 15 goals in 2025; Uruguayan leads Mengão in 2-0 victory over Internacional - photo: reproduction
Arrascaeta celebrates goal at Beira-Rio and reaches 15 goals in 2025; Uruguayan leads Mengão in 2-0 victory over Internacional - photo: reproduction

21 Ago 2025 | 01:00 |

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Having scored the first goal in the 2-0 victory over Internacional , Arrascaeta is enjoying one of the best moments of his career. The Uruguayan number 10 has reached 15 goals this season, along with 11 assists , figures that place him as the sole leader among Flamengo 's top scorers in 2025.


" I'm happy to be able to help the team, whether with a goal or an assist. On the field, that's the most important thing for me. I'm happy, I'm able to get into the box and score. However, the most important thing was to come out with the qualification," said the midfielder after the match at Beira-Rio.


VICTORY OVER INTERNACIONAL


With the victory at Beira-Rio, the Red-Blacks confirmed their place in the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores and will face Estudiantes-ARG. In addition to Arrascaeta's goal, Pedro scored the second after a cross from Luiz Araújo, the team's second-highest scorer in 2025. Even with more than 43,000 fans in attendance, the Colorados were unable to convert the pressure into goals and were eliminated.

INTERNATIONAL CANNOT REVERSE


The Gaucho team fought back but struggled to overcome the red-and-black defense. Players like Enner Valencia and Ricardo Mathias had opportunities, but were thwarted by Rossi's defensive solidity and saves, who held on without any major scares.

With the victory, Mengão remains firm in its search for another international title. The team returns to the field next Monday (25), when it faces Vitória in the Brazilian Championship , before beginning preparations for the decisive clash against Estudiantes, valid for the quarterfinals of the Libertadores.


Soccer

Find out who Flamengo's next opponent will be in the Libertadores

After a goalless draw in the second leg, the Argentine team advanced and will face Rubro-Negro, who eliminated Internacional with victories in both games of the round of 16.

Arrascaeta and Pedro guarantee the red-black victory at Beira-Rio; Mengão advances to the quarterfinals of the Libertadores and will face Estudiantes - photo: reproduction
Arrascaeta and Pedro guarantee the red-black victory at Beira-Rio; Mengão advances to the quarterfinals of the Libertadores and will face Estudiantes - photo: reproduction

21 Ago 2025 | 00:13 |

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Estudiantes secured their place in the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores after drawing 0-0 with Cerro Porteño on Wednesday night (20) at the Jorge Luis Hirschi stadium in La Plata, Greater Buenos Aires. With the result, the Argentine team advanced to face Mais Querido in the next phase of the competition. The return match will be held in Argentina again, as the Argentines had a superior campaign in the group stage.


Flamengo confirmed its favoritism by eliminating Internacional. After winning 1-0 at Maracanã, Filipe Luís's team also triumphed on the road, winning 2-0 at Beira-Rio . The goals of the match were scored by Arrascaeta, in the first half, and Pedro, who came on as a substitute during the second half and sealed the victory.


Just 26 minutes into the first half, Samuel Lino advanced down the left and shot. Goalkeeper Rochet miskicked the ball, Plata headed it, and Arrascaeta appeared to finish first time , scoring his 15th goal of the season. Shortly after, Bruno Henrique found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.


PEDRO COMES IN THE SECOND HALF

In the final stretch of the match, striker Pedro came off the bench to replace Bruno Henrique and made his mark . In the 42nd minute of the second half, after a corner kick from Luiz Araújo and a deflection from Léo Pereira, the center forward finished into the back of the net, sealing the victory and qualification.


FLAMENGO DECIDES AWAY AGAIN

With the victories over Internacional , the Rubro-Negro remains firmly in the hunt for the continental title . Their next opponent will be Estudiantes, who will decide the spot at home. The first match will be at Maracanã, and the return leg is scheduled for La Plata, promising a tight duel in the hunt for the competition's semifinals.


Soccer

Flamengo defeats Internacional and secures a place in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals

With goals from Arrascaeta and Pedro, Rubro-Negro defeated Colorado 2-0 at Beira-Rio and confirmed their qualification for the next stage of the tournament.

Arrascaeta and Pedro guarantee the red-black victory at Beira-Rio; Mengão defeats Internacional 2-0 and advances to the quarterfinals of the Libertadores - photo: reproduction
Arrascaeta and Pedro guarantee the red-black victory at Beira-Rio; Mengão defeats Internacional 2-0 and advances to the quarterfinals of the Libertadores - photo: reproduction

20 Ago 2025 | 23:52 |

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Flamengo qualified for the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores after defeating Internacional 2-0. The match started evenly, with Internacional trying to press in the opening minutes. Despite this, the home team failed to convert possession into clear-cut chances. Flamengo capitalized on a mistake by goalkeeper Rochet and opened the scoring with Arrascaeta , who finished into the net after a play initiated by Samuel Lino and Plata.


The Uruguayan, the season's standout, reached 15 goals and 11 assists in 2025, playing a key role in the team's campaign. In the final stage, Flamengo controlled the pace and exploited counterattacks effectively.


Pedro extended the lead after a corner kick from Luiz Araújo, capitalizing on a deflection from Léo Pereira to score the second. Internacional still tried to fight back, even hitting the post with a shot from Borré, but were thwarted by the opponent's solid defense and a strong performance from Rossi.


INTERNATIONAL CANNOT REACT

Despite the support of more than 43,000 fans at Beira-Rio, Colorado failed to convert its crowd into offensive effectiveness. Roger Machado's changes barely changed the game's complexion. Enner Valencia and Ricardo Mathias had chances but were unable to overcome the red-and-black defense.


FLAMENGO SHOWS MATURITY

With a 2-0 victory, the Rio de Janeiro team secures a spot in the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores and keeps alive the hope of expanding its international trove of achievements. The team now turns its attention to the season's upcoming matches , buoyed by the consistency and confidence gained in this qualification.


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