President of Flamengo minimizes game in altitude against LDU and highlights red-black logistics

Flamengo has confirmed a sponsorship deal considered the largest ever signed by a South American club, significantly surpassing all competitors on the continent. The agreement further reinforces the team's prominent position in the sports landscape and expands its investment capacity on and off the field.

On social media, fans couldn't hide their excitement about the arrival of the new sponsor. The deal opens the door for the club to seek high-profile signings, strengthening the squad and raising expectations for an even more dominant team in national and international competitions.

Although initial planning points to 2026, the board is in talks with the sponsor about strategic reinforcements . The idea is to leverage the new financial clout to invest in a big name, should a market opportunity arise during this transfer window.

PAQUETÁ IS THE DREAM OF CONSUMER

Among the names being speculated, Lucas Paquetá appears to be the biggest desire of both the board and the fans. The midfielder has already expressed interest in leaving West Ham , but the English club's asking price is above what Mengão considers viable. Even so, the possibility of a future return remains a topic behind the scenes.

FLAMENGO'S NEW FINANCIAL AGREEMENT

Regardless of immediate negotiations, the historic sponsorship guarantees robust resources for the squad to be constantly strengthened. Rubro-Negro is expected to extend its dominance on the continent, cementing its position as a dominant force in the coming years.

The situation of 19-year-old prospect Matheus Gonçalves has taken on new dimensions in recent months. Despite praise from coach Filipe Luís, the attacking midfielder has appeared only 14 times this season , scoring two goals in 313 minutes played. Competition from players like Samuel Lino, Luiz Araújo, and Plata has made it difficult for him to establish himself in the first team, increasing the player's frustration.

The desire for a change almost came true when Gonçalves was close to signing with Cruzeiro for €3.5 million. However, the board backed down and kept the youngster on the roster. Even so, teams abroad continue to monitor the situation: CSKA Moscow, from Russia, and Olympiacos, from Greece , are monitoring the player and could formalize offers by the beginning of September, the transfer window deadline.

YOUNG PROMISE HAS NO SPACE

A product of the youth academy, Matheus made his senior debut in 2022 at the age of 17. The following year, he was loaned to Bragantino, where he made 13 appearances. In 2024, back at Mengão, he scored four goals in 36 appearances.

This year, his lack of minutes with the first team led to him also being used in the U-20 squad, where he scored two goals in a derby against Botafogo. Now, the attacking midfielder continues training and preparing for the U-20 World Cup , while also defining his immediate future. This information comes from the Mix Vale website.

BOARD SEEKS REINFORCEMENTS

Even amidst their lead in the Brasileirão and a lead in the Copa Libertadores round of 16, Flamengo's board faces challenges. In addition to Gonçalves' situation, the club is evaluating signings for the remainder of the season, with Gabriel Brazão and Lucas Beltrán as priorities.

In the opening of the second half of the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo showed superiority and defeated Internacional 3-1 this Sunday (17), at Beira-Rio. Pedro, twice, and Plata guaranteed the goals that consolidated the team's isolated leadership in the competition . In addition to the result, the match was also special for De La Cruz , who returned to action after a period of absence.

After the final whistle, the Uruguayan spoke about the recent controversy involving doctor José Luiz Runco , stating that he was confident in his physical condition and reinforcing that he was fit for the rest of the season.

De La Cruz vents: "Nobody knows my body"

" Nobody knows my body better than me. Today I felt good . I'll keep working to keep playing. Then, the coach will put the players on the field. I'll try to be available for the upcoming games; I'm working on that. There's more on Wednesday," he said.

HALF REVEALS FAMILY SUPPORT

The midfielder then emphasized his focus on work and downplayed outside comments . He also revealed his family's support during the turbulent period behind the scenes at the club, with the former doctor being fired shortly thereafter.

"I stayed with my family. I think a lot has been said, a lot has happened . Now I'm not going to talk; I'm focusing on what I have to do. Regardless of what people say, I know what I have to do. I'm focused and I have to work hard to play. I'm calm. I came back feeling great today, and I'm very happy about that," he concluded.

FLAMENGO FACE INTER AGAIN

After their Brasileirão victory, Flamengo turns their attention to the Libertadores. The Rio de Janeiro team faces Internacional again this Wednesday (20), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Beira-Rio. Having won the first leg 1-0 at Maracanã, Filipe Luís's team has the advantage of a draw to secure a place in the quarterfinals of the continental competition.