John Textor says it's possible to take advantage of Flamengo in the Brasileirão

Signed in July 2022 for approximately R$72 million, Everton Cebolinha is one of the ten most expensive acquisitions in Flamengo's history . Expectations for his performance have always been high, but the striker's career at the club has been marked by ups and downs, and the 2025 season has only heightened his inconsistency .

FROM A GOOD 2024 TO A PROBLEMATIC 2025

The striker was coming off a consistent 2024 season, playing 30 official matches, scoring five goals, and providing five assists, averaging 0.33 direct goal contributions per game . He was a key player in the attacking scheme until he suffered a serious ankle injury.

In 2025, however, the scenario changed. In the same 30 games, Cebolinha scored just four goals and provided two assists . His average dropped to 0.20 per game, a reduction of almost 40% compared to the previous year. Despite recovering physically, he was unable to capitalize on the opportunities given to him by Filipe Luís and is now a reserve.

GRÊMIO MONITORS THE SITUATION

Cebolinha's future at Flamengo beyond 2026 is uncertain. According to journalist Diogo Rossi, Grêmio is interested in bringing the striker back, who also welcomes a return to the Arena , having already publicly stated his intention to return to the club.

The negotiation, however, isn't straightforward. Flamengo invested heavily in his signing, and the contract runs until December 2026. Therefore, if no agreement is reached before then, Everton could sign a pre-contract with another team starting mid-next year.

A regular starter for Flamengo in 2019, Willian Arão returned to Brazilian football in July 2025 to play for Santos. However, his time at Vila Belmiro may be nearing its end : the 33-year-old midfielder has only played seven minutes on the pitch and the club is already considering terminating his contract.

Arão's only appearance for Peixe came against Flamengo, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 1-0 victory, with Neymar scoring at Vila Belmiro. Since then, he has struggled with physical problems and has had to make repeated visits to the medical department , without playing any regular games.

According to journalist Lucas Musetti, the so-called "Arão case" has become a mystery behind the scenes. The player showed up with calf pain and, even though no injuries were detected in the tests , continues to complain of discomfort that prevents him from training and playing.

WILL ARÃO PLAY AGAINST ATLÉTICO-MG?

Santos faces Atlético-MG this Sunday (14), in Belo Horizonte, but Arão is already vetoed. The expectation was that he would train this Thursday (11), which did not happen . Now, the technical committee is working to have him available only next week. Meanwhile, the discussion about the possible termination of the contract grows.

'COLD WAR' BEHIND THE SCENES

According to Musetti, the situation is generating internal friction. The player believes he's being misjudged , while the medical department assures him there's no injury. Furthermore, Arão's decision to hire a private physiotherapist has caused unease within the club.

After almost two weeks without games due to the September FIFA Date, Flamengo is getting closer to returning to the field . This Friday (12), the squad will hold the penultimate training session at Ninho do Urubu before the duel with Juventude . The activity led by Filipe Luís is scheduled for 9:30 am (Brasília time).

On Saturday (13), the squad trains again in the morning and then embarks for Rio Grande do Sul. The match against Juventude takes place on Sunday (14) , at 4 pm, at Alfredo Jaconi, for the 23rd round of the Brazilian Championship.

LEADERSHIP MAINTAINED

Flamengo leads the table with 47 points. Cruzeiro moved into second place with 44, while Palmeiras, which has 43 , dropped to third after a draw with Corinthians. The "Mais Querido" (The Most Beloved), however, has played one game less than the Minas Gerais team, but one game more than the "alviverde" (Green and White).

ALMOST FULL CAST

With the end of the FIFA Date, most of the players called up are already back. Arrascaeta and Varela returned on Wednesday (10), followed by Viña, Samuel Lino and Carrascal , on Thursday (11). The only exception is Gonzalo Plata , who was given time off to visit his family.

Alex Sandro, Erick Pulgar, Jorginho and Varela remain in the Medical Department. On Wednesday (10), the club released a bulletin updating the situation of each athlete . Of these, only the right-back appears to be able to play against Jaconero.