REINFORCEMENTS! FLAMENGO SIGNS A NEW FORWARDER

Flamengo takes to the field this Thursday (18), at Maracanã, to face Estudiantes (ARG), in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. In great form under the command of Filipe Luís, Rubro-Negro is counting on the good moment to open up an advantage in the confrontation .

STUDENTS IN BAD PHASE

Their Argentine opponents arrive under pressure after a losing streak. In their last five matches, they have lost three, drawn one, and won only one, representing a 26.7% success rate . In their most recent match, Estudiantes lost 2-1 to River Plate in the Argentine Championship.

Estudiantes' last games in 2025:

• Banfield 3 x 2 Estudiantes – Argentine Championship
• Estudiantes 0 x 0 Cerro Porteño – Libertadores
• Estudiantes 1 x 0 Aldosivi – Argentine Championship
• Central Córdoba 2 x 0 Estudiantes – Argentine Championship
• Estudiantes 1 x 2 River Plate – Argentine Championship

PACKAGED MENGÃO

While Estudiantes is struggling, Flamengo is in excellent form. The team is unbeaten in nine games, with seven wins and two draws . In the Libertadores itself, they qualified convincingly, with two victories over Internacional in the round of 16.

SHORTAGES AND DOUBTS

For this Thursday's match, the only confirmed absence is Erick Pulgar, who is recovering from a fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot. Jorginho and Alex Sandro are still doubtful: both have recovered from muscle pain but are not fully fit. The decision will be made by Filipe Luís.

TRANSMISSION

The duel between Flamengo and Estudiantes will not be shown on free-to-air TV and will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN (pay TV) and Disney+ (streaming), but fans will be kept up to date with all the details of the match on Gazeta do Urubu.

Gabigol's name has been linked to Corinthians again . The striker, who has previously been involved in controversy at Flamengo due to images in the black and white jersey, now appears as a possible reinforcement for the São Paulo club in 2026.

At Cruzeiro, Gabigol is facing a turbulent time . With Kaio Jorge in excellent form and a starter in the Raposa attack, the striker has lost his place in Leonardo Jardim's team, which has generated dissatisfaction on the player's part.

According to journalist Jorge Nicola, Corinthians is interested in signing Gabigol, but to make the deal happen, they would need to release Memphis Depay . The Dutch striker earns around R$6 million per month, while Gabigol's salary is over R$2 million.

CONTRACTUAL CHALLENGES

Another critical point is Gabigol's contract with Cruzeiro, valid until 2028. For the player to be able to transfer, Corinthians would need to negotiate financial compensation with Raposa, in addition to adjusting its payroll.

GABIGOL'S TRAJECTORY

Gabigol arrived at Cruzeiro on a free transfer after ending his stint with Flamengo. He has a four-year contract with the Minas Gerais club and has so far played 35 matches, scored 12 goals, and provided four assists.

With Betano leading the Brasileirão and a place in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals assured, Flamengo is reaping the rewards of a structured plan put together by its board. The synergy between management and the coaching staff has been crucial in maintaining a strong squad and achieving consistent performances on the field.

Given the team's strong performance, the club's board is focused on ensuring the continuity of coach Filipe Luís. The coach has been receiving inquiries from the international market, but so far, he maintains his preference for remaining with the Rio de Janeiro club.

In addition to planning Filipe Luís's contract renewal, Flamengo's management is intensifying its case-by-case evaluation of the squad's players. Among them is striker Pedro, the team's number 9, who has been returning to form after a period of instability.

PEDRO LEAVES THE FUTURE OPEN

Embroiled in recent controversies at Gávea, Pedro has yet to decide his future at the club. According to information from the Bolavip website, the athlete has not ruled out considering offers from other teams in the next transfer window. Currently, the player's priority is to find the best option for his career and financially, without limiting his available options.

WHAT DID GAZETA DO URUBU FIND?

Flamengo 's board intends to renew contracts with Filipe Luís and Arrascaeta in 2025. Pedro and Rossi are expected to have their contracts renewed next season. Currently, there is no sign of dissatisfaction with the Mengão striker.