NEST BOYS! FLAMENGO U-20 BEATS SANTOS 3-1 IN BRASILEIRÃO

Flamengo is close to completing the transfer of 19-year-old attacking midfielder Matheus Gonçalves to Cruzeiro for €3.5 million (approximately R$22 million). The fee corresponds to 50% of the player's economic rights. According to sources close to the club, the negotiation is considered "satisfactory" internally, as the young athlete doesn't fit into Filipe Luís's current tactical model and will have more room to develop elsewhere.

Despite his recognized talent, Matheus Gonçalves hadn't been playing professionally for tactical reasons . Coach Filipe Luís opted for other midfield options, and the player ended up being sent to the youth teams, where he sought to maintain his playing rhythm. Even so, Flamengo is banking on his growth outside the club and believes that with more playing time, he could increase his value for a future sale.

FLAMENGO RETAINS PART OF ITS RIGHTS

Mengão's board of directors understood that retaining 50% of the player's economic rights offers a good balance between immediate return and the potential for future gains. This way, the Rio de Janeiro club could profit from a potential resale of the player by Cruzeiro , should he excel in Minas Gerais. The agreement on payment terms is still pending, but is considered practically finalized.

While awaiting a decision on his future, Matheus had been playing for the U-20s by his own decision. In one of his last matches, he scored twice in a 2-2 draw with Botafogo in the Brazilian Championship. His time with Flamengo's senior team totals 36 appearances and four goals , figures considered promising despite his limited playing time.

DEAL OUTCOME MUST OCCUR

With all parties aligned, the officialization of the contract only depends on bureaucratic procedures. The young midfielder has already accepted the terms and is ready to begin his career at Cruzeiro. Flamengo sees the departure as a coherent decision for the moment and could benefit both the athlete and the Rio de Janeiro club in the future.

In recent days, rumors have surfaced about a possible overhaul of Flamengo 's roster to make room on the payroll. Among the names being floated for possible departures were strikers Michael, who is negotiating a return to the club, and Everton Cebolinha, who has sparked interest from Grêmio fans.

THE DEAL WILL NOT GO THROUGH

However, contrary to the enthusiasm of some Grêmio fans, the Rio Grande do Sul club is unlikely to formalize any kind of offer for Cebolinha. This information was published by Portal do Gremista, which interviewed people close to the board . According to the investigation, Grêmio recognizes the striker's technical quality, but the club's financial situation makes any move to repatriate him impossible. The high market value and the salary involved make it difficult to move forward with any negotiations.

CEBOLINHA DOESN'T THINK ABOUT LEAVING FLAMENGO

Everton Cebolinha joined Flamengo in 2022, when the Rio de Janeiro club paid approximately €13.5 million (approximately R$74 million at the time) to Benfica of Portugal. The player's contract with the club runs until December 2026. The deal was one of the most expensive in Flamengo's history.

The expectation was that the striker would rediscover the same form in Brazil that earned him a spot in the national team after his breakthrough with Grêmio. Since arriving, Cebolinha has yet to string together a consistent run of performances. Between injuries and fluctuations, he has been a reserve for much of the 2024 season, although he has already played in important matches.

Even so, Flamengo isn't considering negotiating him on loan or selling him at a loss. Internally, the assessment is that the striker can still perform technically and that the investment, although substantial, was made for the long term.

Flamengo and Cruzeiro are close to formalizing the sale of Matheus Gonçalves . The clubs have already reached an agreement on the transaction value, set at €3.5 million, representing 50% of the player's economic rights. The only remaining issue before finalizing the deal is defining the payment method.

The transaction is expected to be completed in the coming days, as both parties consider the deal to be on track. The 19-year-old attacking midfielder has accepted the terms of the contract and is only awaiting the formalities before being announced by the Minas Gerais team. Matheus Gonçalves has made 36 appearances for Flamengo's first team, scoring four goals.

A YOUNG MAN WHO CALLS ATTENTION

Without a place in Flamengo's first team, Matheus Gonçalves had been playing for the U-20s by his own decision, aiming to maintain his match fitness. Last Thursday, he scored twice in a 2-2 draw against Botafogo in the Brazilian Championship. His average minutes per game were low, which made it difficult to achieve a consistent run of performances. Even so, he is considered a gem of the youth academy for his technique and mobility.

CRUZEIRO BETS ON GONÇALVES

The strong performance reinforced Cruzeiro's interest, which had been monitoring the player in recent weeks. Coach Leonardo Jardim , who was directly responsible for the signing, sees immediate potential in the youngster and believes he can compete for a spot in the starting lineup. Matheus Gonçalves' arrival at Toca da Raposa fulfills a request from Portuguese coach Leonardo Jardim.

Enchanted by the player's technical ability and versatility, the Cruzeiro manager has prioritized his name in this transfer window. Jardim sees Gonçalves as a strategic asset to the team's attacking sector. The youngster can play as a midfielder or winger, which is appealing given the possibility of tactical variations during games.