Globo makes important decision on Flamengo vs. Barcelona in the U-20 World Cup

One of Flamengo's biggest moves in 2025 was the signing of Jorginho, formerly of Arsenal (ENG). The number 21 quickly adapted to Filipe Luís's system and has already established himself as a starter in the Flamengo midfield. In an interview with ESPN, coach Mikel Arteta, who managed the Italian-Brazilian in England, recalled conversations with the player before his transfer to the Rio de Janeiro club .

Arteta talks about Jorginho at Flamengo: "He had a very clear desire to end his career in Brazil"

"We had several conversations to understand how far we wanted to go together, or not. He was very clear about his desire to finish his career in Brazil; he was waiting for an opportunity. When it came, I saw him very convinced, at every level ," Arteta said, before adding:

"First on a personal level, with his family, and then on a professional level, returning to compete in the country of his birth. It was an honor for me to have him here. I made the most of my day-to-day life with him, not only as a player , but also as a person and a leader . I wish him all the best," concluded the coach.

WHEN DID FLAMENGO HIRE JORGINHO?

Flamengo officially announced Jorginho's arrival in June 2025, with the Club World Cup in mind. The club didn't have to pay Arsenal, as the player had already terminated his contract with the English club . Since then, the midfielder has played 13 games, scored one goal, and provided two assists.

WHAT IS FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME?

With Jorginho available, Flamengo returns to the field this Wednesday (20) to face Internacional, at Beira-Rio, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), for the second leg of the round of 16 of the Libertadores . Mengão only needs a draw to qualify for the quarterfinals.

Flamengo continues its search for another Copa Libertadores title and will decide its place in the quarterfinals this Wednesday (20), against Internacional, at Beira-Rio. The second leg of the round of 16 will be broadcast on open TV .

On Rede Globo, the match will be narrated by Everaldo Marques and commentated by Maestro Júnior and Caio Ribeiro , who both played for Flamengo during their professional careers. It's worth noting that the network also broadcast the first match.

OTHER TRANSMISSION OPTIONS

In addition to Globo, ESPN will broadcast the match on cable TV, while Disney+ will stream the game, just like it did at Maracanã. For the Disney group, Rogério Vaughan will be narrating the match, with commentary from Paulo Calçade and Zinho , formerly of Flamengo .

SITUATION OF THE RUBRO-NEGRO CAST

Coach Filipe Luís will have only one confirmed absence: Erick Pulgar, who is still recovering from surgery on his right foot. The doubt is Emerson Royal, who traveled with the delegation to Porto Alegre . The full-back did not play in the match between Flamengo and Internacional for the Brasileirão, last Sunday (17), but could be included if he is cleared by the medical department after treating a sprained ankle.

FLAMENGO'S ADVANTAGE IN THE LIBERTADORES

In the first leg at Maracanã, Flamengo won 1-0 with a goal from Bruno Henrique, and now needs a draw at Beira-Rio to advance to the quarterfinals of the continental competition. If Internacional wins by one goal, the match will be decided by a penalty shootout .

Flamengo is already planning reinforcements for the 2026 season and has Gabriel Grando, 25, on its list of potential signings . According to the newspaper O Dia, the Flamengo board is closely monitoring the situation of the Grêmio goalkeeper, who came through the Grêmio youth academy and stands at 1.92m tall. The athlete recently rejected a contract renewal offer in Porto Alegre.

The move comes amid the planned departure of Matheus Cunha , Agustín Rossi's current backup, who is expected to sign a pre-contract with Cruzeiro . With no room at Gávea, the goalkeeper will leave the club in 2026, prompting the board to plan a replacement.

GABRIEL GRANDO'S CONTRACT AND SITUATION

Negotiations between Gabriel Grando and Grêmio are ongoing, but have yet to be finalized. Flamengo is monitoring developments and may formalize an offer soon. The goalkeeper nearly signed with Palmeiras this season, but the clubs failed to reach an agreement . He currently has a contract with Grêmio until December 2026.

According to journalist Fabrício Lopes, director José Boto held initial talks and presented a salary offer, which the player has already accepted . In addition to Flamengo , Botafogo has also expressed interest in signing the goalkeeper.

ABOUT THAT…

While the board continues to search for a new goalkeeper, Flamengo returns to the field this Wednesday (20) for the second game of the round of 16 of the Libertadores against Internacional , at Beira-Rio. The match is scheduled for 9:30 pm (Brasília time) and will be broadcast by Rede Globo (open TV), ESPN (closed TV) and Disney+.