Injuries could make Flamengo suffer in La Paz

Internacional president Alessandro Barcelos decided to discuss finances shortly after the team's elimination to Flamengo in the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores. Following the 2-0 loss at Beira-Rio Stadium, the director complained about the disparity in investment between the clubs in recent transfer windows.

Internacional President: "Flamengo invested R$277 million in this window compared to just R$27 million from Inter. That's 10 times more!"

"Some things would have been better if we had won, because they can't be used as excuses. But this debate needs to be deepened in Brazilian football . Flamengo invested R$277 million this window, compared to just R$27 million for Inter. That's ten times more! And, adding up the last four windows, they've reached R$600 million," Barcelos noted.

Despite the rhetoric, the president himself acknowledged that the issue doesn't justify Colorado's drop in performance: "This is new in Brazilian football, and we need to understand it better. The gap is becoming so wide that it's reflected on the field, in the quality of the squads . It's not an excuse, but an issue that needs to be addressed to maintain competitiveness," he added.

INTER HAS NOT YET PAID FOR THIAGO MAIA

The discrepancy in the accounts could be even greater. This is because Internacional hasn't even paid off the purchase of Thiago Maia, made at the beginning of last year. The Rio Grande do Sul club committed to paying €4 million (approximately R$24.1 million) , but Flamengo has yet to receive the payment. The charge has already been formalized with the CBF's CNRD.

The situation became even more controversial when Inter attempted to negotiate Thiago Maia with Santos for a higher fee , even though the transfer had not been paid off. Outraged, Flamengo blocked the transfer. Meanwhile, the Rio Grande do Sul club invested heavily in players like Carbonero and Alan Rodríguez, fueling criticism.

COLORADO CRYING AFTER NEW DEFEATS

In addition to the elimination, Internacional has a bitter history against Flamengo in 2025. They have suffered three consecutive defeats: 1-0 and 2-0 in the Libertadores and 3-1 in the Brasileirão. A 6-1 aggregate defeat for Internacional, which increases the pressure on Barcelos' management . Now, Inter must "pick up the pieces" and, who knows, find the resources to finally pay off the debt owed to Flamengo for Thiago Maia.

Alex Sandro is one of Flamengo's most experienced players. The left-back, formerly of Juventus and Porto, arrived at the club in 2024 and quickly established himself as a starter on the left , despite fierce competition with Viña and Ayrton Lucas .

SAUDI PROPOSALS

This year, the athlete attracted interest from the Saudi Arabian market, receiving two offers from Al-Ahli, the team of former Manchester City striker Mahrez . The offers offered up to three times Alex Sandro's current salary. Information about the interest was revealed by journalist Jorge Nicola, but the full-back chose to decline the offers and remain at Flamengo .

FILIPE LUÍS' TRUST

Alex Sandro is one of Filipe Luís 's most trusted men, and he relies heavily on him. The red-and-black squad has three options for left-back : Alex Sandro, Ayrton Lucas, and Matías Viña. While a full-back is expected to be traded next year, the number 26 is unlikely to be chosen, and the final decision is expected at the end of the season.

The player was signed during Rodolfo Landim's administration, with Marcos Braz in charge. Fans appreciate the full-back's confident and focused style of play , which rarely drops in performance and consistently performs throughout the season.

NEXT APPOINTMENT

With Alex Sandro available, Flamengo is preparing to host Vitória in the 21st round of the Brazilian Championship. The duel between the red-blacks will be this Monday (25) at 9 pm (Brasília time). Mengão is the leader of the competition with 43 points , while Leão is in 17th place, the first team in the relegation zone, with 19 points.

Palmeiras remains active in the transfer market, seeking reinforcements. Verdão's priority is to sign a replacement for Richard Ríos as soon as possible . For coach Abel Ferreira, the arrival of a player with a similar profile is essential, as Ríos played a key role on the team.

President Leila Pereira endorses the coach's vision and has authorized Anderson Barros to sign the new signing during this transfer window. Among the names being considered, Andreas Pereira is once again an option , having already attempted to close the deal with the midfielder earlier this year .

NEGOTIATION RESUMED

The Brazilian midfielder was very close to Palmeiras in the first half of the year, but Fulham, from England, made negotiations difficult, and the deal fell through . Now, Andreas is showing a willingness to help Verdão, understanding that leaving the English club at this time is best for his career. Talks have resumed.

FLAMENGO OUT OF THE DISPUTE

Flamengo , led by Filipe Luís, expressed interest in the player, but ultimately prioritized other signings and will not enter the competition. With Flamengo out of the running, expectations are rising that Palmeiras will finally close a deal with Fulham and bring in Richard Ríos's long-awaited replacement.

WHEN WILL FLAMENGO RETURN TO THE FIELD?

While Palmeiras continues the charge for the midfielder, Flamengo is now only concerned with the next game of the Brazilian Championship , when they host Vitória at Maracanã for the 21st round on Monday (25) at 9 pm (Brasília time).