“The best Brazilian was…” - American journalist talks about Flamengo in the Club World Cup

The signing of Colombian Jorge Carrascal was made official by Flamengo this Monday (04), marking the end of a negotiation that dragged on for weeks. The 26-year-old midfielder was presented at Ninho do Urubu with the traditional delivery of the red-black shirt , ending a process that required management skills and strong legal action.

Led by technical director José Boto , the operation's main challenge was the bureaucratic procedures involving Dynamo Moscow, the player's former club. The director emphasized that the impasse was not related to the player's wishes or the agreement with the Rio de Janeiro club, but rather to measures to ensure that Flamengo would not suffer future financial or contractual losses.

" Finally introducing Jorge, after a long period that had nothing to do with negotiations. It had to do with a way to make the operation clear, so that Flamengo wouldn't pay a single euro more and wouldn't have any problems in the end," said Boto.

CARRASCAL SHOWED INTEREST

According to José Boto, Carrascal always expressed a desire to wear the red-and-black jersey , which facilitated the initial agreement. However, the negotiation became more difficult as it involved three clubs and depended on delicate legal and financial arrangements.

"It has nothing to do with him; it was easy for us to reach an agreement. Afterwards, it was difficult to work on it because it was a complicated operation , involving two other clubs. I'm grateful for his patience and the effort he put in to be here," said the technical director.

LEGAL DEPARTMENT TAKES ACTION

In a relieved mood, Boto celebrated the reinforcement's arrival. Carrascal received the number 15 jersey and posed for photos as a new player in the main squad. " I want to say that everything was done, as I said, so that Flamengo wouldn't have to pay a single euro more . Bap knows all about these things, obviously, just as he knows everything that goes on here. I'm very happy that he [Carrascal] is here."

On the night of last Monday (04), the members of Olaria Atlético Clube approved the sale of their Sociedade Anônima do Futebol (SAF) to a consortium that promises to transform the scenario of the traditional Rio de Janeiro club. The group is formed by rapper L7nnon, former Flamengo director Marcos Braz , and the sports marketing company Ric's, which had been managing the club's football since 2020.

The move represents an attempt at a definitive restructuring for the club from Rio de Janeiro's North Zone, which has faced serious financial and administrative problems for years. The SAF was authorized weeks ago, paving the way for the entry of investors and a complete overhaul of the team's sporting and structural management.

MOMENT IS CONSIDERED DECISIVE

Olaria president André Luiz "Batata" celebrated the proposal's approval, highlighting the importance of the new management model for the team's future: "This represents a way out of the crisis and an opportunity to rebuild the club. Having investors is essential to turning the situation around," he stated.

The new SAF will be managed by a consortium composed of DTS Serviços Integrados de Telecomunicações, which has Marcos Braz among its partners, DLA Investments, linked to the artist L7nnon, and Ric's, led by Ricardo Gonzaga. The latter also highlighted the limitations faced so far: " There are always too many liens and I can't manage them fairly. With SAF, things can flow more efficiently," he stated.

RAPPER L7NNON AND MARCOS BRAZ

Since Ric's took over the football department, Olaria has shown significant improvement on the field, jumping from Série B1 to Série A2 of the Campeonato Carioca. The club currently finds itself in the semifinals of the state's Second Division after a surprising run.

Flamengo continues to work with full focus on the decisive clash against Atlético-MG , valid for the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. The duel is scheduled for this Wednesday (06), at 7 pm, at Arena MRV . After the 1-0 defeat at Maracanã, Mais Querido needs to win to stay alive in the dispute for the national title.

Coach Filipe Luís will have two important players back: Everton Cebolinha and Michael. Both participated normally in the activities held last Monday (04), at CT Ninho do Urubu, and are options in the squad for the decision.

CEBOLINHA AND MICHAEL TRAIN

Everton Cebolinha, number 11, hasn't played since the 1-0 win over Fluminense on July 20. He was named in the Brasileirão match against Atlético-MG , but wasn't called up. Michael has been absent since June 24, when he played in the 1-1 draw with Los Angeles FC in the Club World Cup playoffs.

UNPRECEDENTED ATTACK AND POSSIBILITY OF CHANGE

Flamengo 's likely starting lineup for the game is: Rossi; Varela, Léo Pereira, Léo Ortiz, and Viña; Allan (Saúl), Jorginho, Arrascaeta; Luiz Araújo, Samuel Lino, and Pedro (Bruno Henrique). The lineup may undergo adjustments before the match, but it indicates a clear attacking approach.

For the first time, Luiz Araújo, Samu Lino, and Pedro are expected to form Flamengo's attacking trio , representing an attempt to surprise the Minas Gerais defense with a new attacking dynamic. The presence of Bruno Henrique as an option also expands the tactical possibilities.