Nico de la Cruz has reduced minutes and must be a key to Flamengo tournaments

Flamengo has finalized the sale of Matheus Gonçalves to Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia in a transaction valued at €8 million (approximately R$50 million) . The Arab club made the deal official this weekend, highlighting the arrival of the 20-year-old, who had been playing for the under-20s after losing his place in the first team under Filipe Luís. The player was one of the standout players in the category's Intercontinental Cup victory.

This wasn't Matheus Gonçalves ' first attempt. Before the deal with Al-Ahli, Cruzeiro and CSKA Moscow had formalized offers. The Minas Gerais club had offered €3.5 million (R$22 million) for 50% of the player's rights, in negotiations conducted directly with president Bap, but the club backed out. Shortly after, CSKA presented a higher offer, of €7 million (R$44 million), which was also rejected by the club's board.

MATHUES GONÇALVES WAS UNDERUSED

By early 2025, Matheus was part of the senior squad, but he failed to establish himself amid stiff competition in the attacking department . With just 15 appearances and two goals for the senior team, the midfielder opted to return to the U-20s to get some regular action.

His departure is part of the list of changes defined by the board during this transfer window. In 2025, he made 15 professional appearances, notably scoring three goals in the Campeonato Carioca , when he enjoyed his best moment for the club.

FLAMENGO HAS FIVE EXITS IN THE WINDOW

With the sale confirmed, Flamengo has now lost five players in the current transfer window. In addition to Matheus Gonçalves, who is heading to Saudi Arabia, the club has also negotiated deals with Lorran (on loan to Pisa), Victor Hugo (signed with Santos), Gerson (sold to Zenit), and Wesley (transferred to Roma).

The 1-1 draw between Flamengo and Grêmio, last Sunday (31), for the Brasileirão, marked a special moment for Nicolás De La Cruz. The Uruguayan midfielder returned to the starting lineup after more than three months away and was defined by Filipe Luís as “ one of the pillars of the team ”.

RETURN TO THE TEAM

In the absence of Jorginho, who was sidelined by muscle discomfort, De La Cruz took over the midfield spot and delivered . He played 76 minutes on the field, with two dangerous free kicks, tackles, good recoveries, and quality passes. His performance earned applause from the nearly 70,000 fans in attendance at the Maracanã and reinforced expectations that he could compete for a starting spot.

MEDICAL CONTROVERSY AND INJURIES

Between June and July, the Uruguayan missed seven matches due to inflammation in his left knee. During this period, he became the center of controversy that led to the dismissal of José Luiz Runco , then head of the medical department. In internal messages, the doctor even stated that the athlete suffered from chronic injuries in both knees, casting doubt on his ability to perform at a high level.

GRADUAL REINSERTION

After returning to the squad, De La Cruz played in all subsequent games. He didn't play against Internacional in the Libertadores , but he did play in the historic 8-0 rout of Vitória, playing the final 20 minutes. Coincidentally, it was in that same game that Jorginho complained of pain, making room for the Uruguayan.

STARTING PLAYER

During the preparations for the Grêmio match, De La Cruz received special attention from Flamengo 's coaching staff. Last week's training session gave him the green light to start . His last start was in the derby against Botafogo on May 18th. His return now comes at a time when Filipe Luís appears to have found a solid fit in the midfield with Jorginho and Saúl.

Flamengo ended August with a 1-1 draw against Grêmio, last Sunday (31), in the 22nd round of the Brasileirão. Now, September begins with a full calendar: there will be five matches throughout the month, three for the Brazilian Championship and two for the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores da América .

FLAMENGO'S SCHEDULE IN SEPTEMBER

The first match will be on the 14th, against Juventude, in the 23rd round, in Caxias do Sul. After that, the Red-Blacks will have two more national classics in the Brasileirão, against Vasco and Corinthians , in addition to the decisive clash against Estudiantes de La Plata, on the 18th and 25th, in the Libertadores. Check out the confirmed matches:

• 14/09 – Juventude x Flamengo | 23rd round of the Brasileirão
• 18/09 – Flamengo x Estudiantes (ARG) | First leg of the Libertadores quarterfinals
• 21/09 – Flamengo x Vasco | 24th round of the Brasileirão
• 25/09 – Estudiantes (ARG) x Flamengo | Second leg of the Libertadores quarterfinals
• September 28 – Corinthians vs Flamengo | 25th round of the Brasileirão

SITUATION IN THE TABLE

Despite the draw against Grêmio, Filipe Luís's team remains firmly at the top of the Brasileirão with 47 points . Cruzeiro moved into second place with 44 points after overtaking Palmeiras, who dropped to third with 43 points after drawing with Corinthians.

FIFA DATE SCHEDULE

Due to the break for the FIFA Date, Flamengo will only return to the field in the middle of the month . The squad was given a break between Monday (01) and Thursday (04), returning to training at Ninho do Urubu on Friday (05). From then on, Filipe Luís will have time to adjust the team for the September marathon.