Flamengo has interest in the steering wheel of the Brazilian team - says journalist

Negotiations to renew Vinícius Júnior's contract with Real Madrid until 2030 have stalled. The reason is said to be the striker's and his representatives' demand for a salary increase, asking for €30 million (approximately R$195 million) per year, plus a signing bonus. If met, this amount would make the Brazilian the highest-paid player in Real Madrid's squad, surpassing even Kylian Mbappé, who was signed last season.

According to the Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, the club's board believes that the current offer, of €10 million per season, already represents a significant increase in value. Internally, there are concerns that granting Vinícius's request could destabilize the squad's salary policy. The possibility of a transfer during this transfer window has not been ruled out, should a satisfactory offer emerge.

POOR PERFORMANCE IN 2024/25

Despite his prominence in previous seasons and winning the FIFA The Best award in 2023, the Brazilian's performance in 2024/25 left much to be desired. In the Club World Cup , Vinícius scored just one goal and contributed one assist in six matches. In the decisive stages of the Champions League, such as the semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain, his performance was subdued, with him being substituted in the second half.

FALL IN INCOME AND INTERNAL COMPETITION

The striker's technical fluctuations, coupled with the rise of other names in European football like Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal, are affecting his position in the Spanish club's squad. Although he still has a contract until 2027, the uncertainty surrounding his continued tenure is growing , and a renewal currently seems distant.

Vinícius Júnior, who arrived at the Spanish club in 2018 , remains one of the main names in Flamengo 's youth academy in Europe, but the competition for a place in the squad this season is becoming fierce with new coach Xabi Alonso.

In the victory over São Paulo in the 13th round of the Brasileirão, the Rubro-Negro reached the mark of R$3,064,971.11 in net profit. It was the first time in the competition that the club surpassed the R$3 million mark in net revenue. The match had 63,300 paying spectators, the largest attendance of the championship so far.

HIGH PERCENTAGE AND MARKET VALUES

The net income to gross revenue ratio rose from less than 50% in the first rounds to 65.3% in the match against São Paulo . This increase represents a significant structural change for the club's finances.

The main factor behind the increased profit margin was the reduction in Maracanã's operating expenses. In 2024, these costs frequently exceeded R$850,000 per game . By 2025, they had fallen to an average of between R$660,000 and R$755,000.

Comparison of operating expenses:

1st round (International): R$ 965,334.97

4th round (Youth): R$ 857,345.20

6th round (Corinthians): R$ 755,866.78

8th round (Bahia): R$ 707,581.06

9th round (Botafogo): R$ 694,786.64

11th round (Fortaleza): R$ 668,322.85

13th round (São Paulo): R$ 680,948.98

FLAMENGO'S THANKS AND MANAGEMENT

The net margin growth curve is clear. In its debut against Internacional, Flamengo earned just 47.5% of gross revenue (R$1.5 million net). In the next home match, against Juventude, the margin dropped to 38.9%. But the recovery came quickly: against Corinthians in the 6th round, the margin jumped to 62.9%, remaining stable until the record against São Paulo.

Financial performance by round at Maracanã:

1st round (Inter): R$ 1.50 million net (47.5%)

4th round (Youth): R$0.89 million (38.9%)

6th round (Corinthians): R$2.81 million (62.9%)

8th round (Bahia): R$2.07 million (59%)

9th round (Botafogo): R$2.34 million (60.3%)

11th round (Fortaleza): R$2.36 million (61.7%)

13th round (São Paulo): R$3.06 million (65.3%)

Optimistic projection: R$7 million more

If Flamengo maintains its current 65% margin until the end of the Brasileirão, it could add an additional R$7 million to its coffers from games at Maracanã alone. A comparison with 2024 makes this gain even more evident.

Santos finalized, on Tuesday afternoon (15), the final adjustments before facing Flamengo at Vila Belmiro, this Wednesday (16), at 8 pm (Brasília time), in a match valid for the 14th round of the Brazilian Championship Series A. Coach Cléber Xavier will have two certain absences for the commitment.

Midfielder João Schmidt and Argentine midfielder Benjamin Rollheiser are suspended and will not be available . Rollheiser , in fact, had been a key player in Santos' midfield, which significantly impacts the team's tactical structure. On the other hand, the squad is free of any medical issues, and all players trained during the break are available for the game.

The most likely lineup for the home team is Gabriel Brazão; Escobar, João Basso, Luan Peres and Souza; Tomás Rincón, Zé Rafael and Neymar; Barreal, Guilherme and Deivid Washington.

FLAMENGO WILL HAVE IMPORTANT SKILLS

Flamengo , meanwhile, comes into the match with significant absences. Full-backs Alex Sandro and Ayrton Lucas will miss the game, leaving Viña as the only option on the left flank. Pulgar and Michael will also be out due to injuries. Pedro remains out due to indiscipline.

RETURNS AND SEARCH FOR REHABILITATION IN VILA BELMIRO

The only good news for Flamengo is the return of young striker Matheus Gonçalves, who is once again an attacking option. With 27 points, the Rio de Janeiro club shares the Brasileirão lead with Cruzeiro, but needs a good result against Santos to secure a spot at the top.