Fluminense sells key player on the eve of the derby against Flamengo

Striker Matheus Gonçalves is close to joining CSKA Moscow in Russia. The Russian club has long-standing interest, but talks have progressed in recent weeks , and Flamengo is already admitting the possibility of losing the 19-year-old.

The proposal involves a loan with an option to buy at the end of the contract. If he excels in Russian football, CSKA will have priority to acquire the player permanently . Matheus' departure, however, is not expected to happen before the U-20 World Cup final, when Flamengo faces Barcelona.

IMMINENT EXIT

Matheus Gonçalves was once close to a deal with Cruzeiro, but was reinstated to Filipe Luís's squad after strong performances with the U-20 team . Since then, he's played in the Brasileirão derby against Fluminense and was available for the Copa do Brasil clash with Atlético-MG. However, he hasn't left the bench in the last two matches.

TRANSFER SEEN AS AN OPPORTUNITY

Despite his desire to establish himself at Flamengo, Matheus Gonçalves recognizes the need for more regular play —something that's currently difficult to achieve at Rubro-Negro. Therefore, he authorized his staff to seek new opportunities, and CSKA Moscow emerged as an important opportunity, including for his first experience in Europe.

A product of Flamengo's youth academy, the striker played for Red Bull Bragantino in 2023, playing 13 matches . The São Paulo club attempted to sign him permanently, but the deal fell through. This season, Matheus has played 15 games and scored two goals for Flamengo.

Atlético-MG made official this Friday (08) the signing of midfielder Reinier , revealed by Flamengo. The 23-year-old player signed a contract valid until December 31, 2029. According to journalist Mauro Cezar Pereira, Mengão consulted the player's representatives, but considered the amounts requested too high for the moment.

Atlético-MG on Reinier, ex-Flamengo: "Reinier is a Rooster"

"Reinier is a Galo! An Olympic champion with experience at clubs in Spain, Germany, and Italy, the midfielder is Atlético's newest addition! At 23, he signed a contract until December 31, 2029, and will be another option for Cuca's squad . Keep it up, Reinier!" the club posted on social media.

PASSAGE THROUGH FLAMENGO

Reinier rose to prominence in Brazilian football after being promoted to the professional team in 2019 under Jorge Jesus. That year, he was part of the squads that won the Brasileirão and Libertadores . For Flamengo , the midfielder made 15 appearances, scoring six goals and contributing two assists.

INTERNATIONAL TRAJECTORY

After excelling at Flamengo, he was sold to Real Madrid (ESP), but failed to make the first team. He played on loan at Borussia Dortmund (GER), Girona (ESP), and Frosinone (ITA) before returning to Brazil to play for Atlético-MG.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT COMMITMENT

While Reinier reinforces Galo, Flamengo remains focused on the Brasileirão . This Saturday (09), the team faces Mirassol, at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, for the 18th round. The broadcast will be exclusive to Premiere, via pay-per-view.

Flamengo announced coach Filipe Luís's starting lineup for the match against Mirassol in the 19th round of the Brasileirão . Despite significant absences, Mengão will go into the match at full strength , aiming to maintain its lead in the competition. With a victory, "Mais Querido" cannot be overtaken in the round.

CHECK THE LINEUP

Rossi; Emerson Royal, Leo Ortiz, Leo Pereira, Alex Sandro; Allan, Evertton Araújo, Arrascaeta, Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino, Pedro.

POSSIBLE PREMIERE

One of the possible new players is Jorge Carrascal , who did not play in the Copa do Brasil against Atlético-MG due to not being registered, but is available for the Brasileirão. The Colombian is available to coach Filipe Luís for the first time since his arrival at Flamengo .

EMBARRASSMENTS

Coach Filipe Luís will be without key players for the match : Danilo, with a hamstring injury in his right thigh; De La Cruz , who is doing strength and mobility work at the gym due to a knee injury; and Erick Pulgar, who is recovering from surgery on the fifth metatarsal in his right foot, performed after an injury during the Club World Cup. Meanwhile, Jorginho is suspended for accumulating yellow cards.

MIRASSOL LINEUP

Coach Rafael Guanaes also confirmed the Mirassol lineup, which features only one change from the previous match: the return of full-back Reinaldo, who was suspended against Vasco due to three yellow cards. The Leão starting lineup is : Walter; Lucas Ramon, João Victor, Jemmes, and Reinaldo; Neto Moura, Danielzinho, and Gabriel; Negueba, Edson Carioca, and Chico da Costa.