Flamengo travels this Tuesday to the duel against Criciúma for the Brasileirão

The transfer window continues to be a busy one for Brazilian clubs . Flamengo has already slowed down its search after signing Samuel Lino, Saúl Ñíguez, Emerson Royal, and Carrascal . Meanwhile, Vasco da Gama has strengthened its position with a longtime club favorite: Matheus França.

NEGOTIATION CLOSED

According to journalist Lucas Pedrosa, Vasco da Gama signed the player from Crystal Palace (ENG). The deal is a loan deal until June 2026, with the Rio de Janeiro club covering 70% of the midfielder's salary.

The negotiation, however, almost didn't come to fruition. This is because Estoril (POR) and Braga (POR) also showed interest. Despite this, Matheus França made it clear that he wanted to play for Vasco, and his wishes were respected by the English . The athlete is expected to arrive in Rio de Janeiro this Tuesday (26).

TRAJECTORY AT FLAMENGO

A product of Flamengo 's youth academy, Matheus França made it to the professional ranks in 2022, winning the Libertadores and the Copa do Brasil . In 2023, he had a good run under Vítor Pereira, which led Crystal Palace to invest 20 million euros (around R$104 million at the time) in his signing.

FOCUS ON THE FIELD

While monitoring market movements, Flamengo turns its attention to its next match . After the incredible 8-0 win over Vitória, Filipe Luís' team faces Grêmio this Sunday (31), at 4 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, for the 22nd round of the Brazilian Championship.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti has released the squad list for Brazil's upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Although five Flamengo players appeared on the preliminary list, only Alex Sandro was called up by the coach .

ANCELOTTI'S EXPLANATION

Ancelotti on Flamengo's absence of players: "My idea is to meet new players"

When asked about the selections, the manager explained that the goal was to create space for further consideration: "The list has changed a bit compared to the last call-up. There are nine players who are not currently in the squad, such as Carlos Augusto, Beraldo, Léo Ortiz , Danilo, Andreas Pereira, Gerson, Ederson, Antony, and Vinícius. They're not in the squad because I want to explore new players."

He added: "Regarding the technical profile, I know them all. But I want to analyze other athletes who can also help the national team . Those who were left out worked very well in the first call-up, and I'm grateful for that," the coach concluded.

FLAMENGO IN THE PRE-LIST

Besides Alex Sandro, other Flamengo players were among the pre-selection squad: Léo Pereira, Léo Ortiz, Danilo, and Samuel Lino. However, none of them made the final squad. Coach Filipe Luís celebrated the absence of Mengão players from the squad , stating that for his job, the fewer players called up, the better.

QUALIFYING GAMES

Brazil will have two commitments in September:

• 04/09 – Brazil x Chile – 9:30 pm – Maracanã
• 09/09 – Bolivia x Brazil – 8:30 pm – El Alto Municipal Stadium
• (Brasília time)

Flamengo enjoyed a memorable night, thrashing Vitória 8-0 , but the match also held a special chapter for Pedro. Scoring three goals in the match, the striker reached the 100-goal mark at Maracanã, cementing his position as the ninth-highest scorer in the history of the Rio de Janeiro club . Still on the field, shortly after the final whistle, Pedro expressed emotion as he commented on the historic feat.

In a heartfelt statement, the number 9 recalled his career and the weight of achieving such impressive numbers. "Today, the House of the Unforgettable will be unforgettable for me. The day I scored 100 goals at Maracanã will be etched in my memory forever. As a child, as a fan, I never imagined I'd be able to fulfill this dream of playing here, scoring goals for my favorite team," said the striker.

SHIRT 9 OVERCOME OBSTACLES

Pedro 's season was also marked by challenges. At one point, he was even relegated to the starting lineup by Filipe Luís, following criticism of his dedication in training. Furthermore, rumors of a possible departure from the club heightened tensions during the period.

Despite the difficulties, the striker emphasized that each phase strengthened him and credited his success to faith. " I believe that everything that happens in my life has a purpose, and I can only thank God for each phase, each stage I face, each challenge I overcome. This serves to mature me and grow even more. I return the honor and glory to Jesus, because he is the one who sustains me," Pedro stated.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT CHALLENGE

After the rout and Pedro's historic mark, Rubro-Negro is preparing to face Grêmio next Sunday (31), at 4 pm (Brasília time), again at Maracanã. The team remains firm in the fight for the leadership of the Brazilian Championship.