Flamengo will have changes against Botafogo in the Brasileirão: Check out the probable lineup

Corinthians is close to officially signing its first signing in the current transfer window. This Friday (8), V itinho, 31, signed a contract valid until December 2026 with the São Paulo club. The striker, who has played for Flamengo and Internacional , underwent medical examinations last Thursday and was cleared to sign the contract.

Having been on the market since leaving Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, the player fits the profile coach Dorival Júnior was looking for . Despite being approached by other Brazilian and Arab clubs, Vitinho opted for the São Paulo club. The signing is the club's first in the second half of the year and the second in 2025, following the arrival of left-back Fabrizio Angileri, announced in February.

PASSAGES IN BRAZILIAN FOOTBALL

Discovered by Botafogo, Vitinho made his professional debut in 2011 and quickly attracted attention. In 2013, he was transferred to CSKA Moscow, where he played until 2018. During this period, he spent two years on loan at Internacional, accumulating 84 appearances, 18 goals, and nine assists.

At CSKA, he scored 18 times and provided nine decisive assists. He was then announced by Flamengo , where he experienced remarkable moments and participated in major achievements, including two Copa Libertadores (2019 and 2022) and two Brazilian Championships (2019 and 2020), as well as titles in the Copa do Brasil, Supercopa do Brasil, Recopa Sudamericana and Campeonato Carioca.

EXPERIENCE IN ARAB FOOTBALL

After his time in Brazilian football, Vitinho transferred to Saudi Arabia in August 2023 , playing for Al-Ettifaq and Al-Shabab. In total, he made 72 appearances, scored 13 goals, and provided ten assists in Saudi Arabia.

Flamengo TV's latest video, which showed excerpts from training led by Filipe Luís ahead of the Brasileirão match against Mirassol, also featured interviews with Saúl and Wallace Yan . The Spanish midfielder declared himself delighted with the Flamengo fans and the atmosphere he found in Rio de Janeiro.

Saúl declares his support for Flamengo fans: "Whether at Maracanã or away, our fans are always there"

"The truth is that the results haven't been the best, but we have a good group here. Teammates who treat everyone with great affection. The welcome from the entire club has been excellent, and I'm very grateful for that . The fans are equally grateful. It's immense affection, and I really want to reciprocate it on the field," said the midfielder.

Despite his enthusiasm, Saúl admitted he's still looking for his best physical form, having arrived at the club after a long period without training: " After two and a half months off, without training, I need to find my physical form , feel good. Start getting minutes and, little by little, reach my peak to help the team in the best way possible."

IMPRESSIONS ON THE RUBRO-NEGRA NATION

Delighted with the support in the stands, the Spaniard highlighted the constant presence of Flamengo fans, regardless of the city where the team plays: "What I like most is the fans. It's incredible how football is experienced in Brazil . Whether at Maracanã or away, our fans are always there. We have to thank them for that. Regardless of the result, they're there supporting us all the time."

Saúl also emphasized the excitement of playing at Maracanã: " We're on the right path. We need to maintain unity, strength, and joy . The joy of playing and belonging to this club, of having these fans, and of playing at Maracanã, which is crazy."

REGRET FOR ELIMINATION AND FOCUS ON REACTION

Finally, the player commented on the elimination from the Copa do Brasil, but reinforced that the setback can serve as motivation for the rest of the season: "First, I hope to win. Against Atlético-MG, we achieved a difficult but important victory. But when we don't advance, that's what remains . May this victory serve as a strong starting point for our next home game. Despite recent results, we remain leaders and it's up to us."

Coach Tite, 64 , is close to agreeing a return to the sidelines, this time to play in European football. The coach, who has previously managed clubs such as Flamengo and Corinthians , has opened talks to take over Besiktas , a traditional Turkish team currently experiencing a turbulent season.

The Turkish club is about to fire Norwegian Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, formerly of Manchester United, and sees Tite as the ideal candidate to reorganize the team . The Brazilian's experience leading the Brazilian national team in two World Cups (2018 and 2022) is one of the points that most pleases the Besiktas board.

BESIKTAS MANAGER SPEEDS UP NEGOTIATIONS

Businessman Gilmar Veloz, who oversees Tite 's career, is already in Europe to advance negotiations . He received official contact from the Turkish club and traveled to discuss points such as salary , contract length, and sporting goals.

Despite the approach, Tite hasn't yet finalized his intention to return to work immediately, but he has been carefully considering the offers he's received. Besides Besiktas, other European teams have also made inquiries. The coach is still on the radar of clubs in Saudi Arabia, which keeps the situation uncertain for the coming days.

LAST JOB WAS AT FLAMENGO

Tite's last experience as a coach was at Flamengo, where he won the 2024 Campeonato Carioca . However, the team did not maintain the desired consistency, which culminated in his departure after elimination to Peñarol in the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores.