It went out! Check out Flamengo's lineup to face Bahia

Flamengo remains attentive to the transfer market and is seeking reinforcements to complete its squad before the end of the transfer window. One name that could emerge as an opportunity is Aleksandar Mitrovic , the Serbian national team's top scorer, who is expected to terminate his contract with Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia) and be free to sign with another club.

The Saudi club plans to release Mitrovic due to the excess of foreign players in its squad for next season . The decision comes after the signing of Uruguayan Darwin Núñez , formerly of Liverpool. To terminate the contract, Al Hilal will need to pay the termination fee stipulated in the contract.

WHO IS MITROVIC?

Mitrovic emerged as a young player at Anderlecht in Belgium, attracting the attention of major English clubs. In 2015, he was signed by Newcastle and later transferred to Fulham , where he established himself as an attacking force. In 2023, the striker signed with Al Hilal.

FLAMENGO SITUATION

Flamengo 's current squad features two center forwards: Pedro and Juninho. Pedro has been a starter for Filipe Luís's team, while Juninho hasn't won over the fans and could be traded if he receives an offer.

In this transfer window, the club has already invested around R$280 million in signings , bringing in Saúl Ñíguez and Samuel Lino (formerly of Atlético Madrid), Emerson Royal (formerly of AC Milan), and Jorge Carrascal (formerly of Dynamo Moscow). Despite not having to spend on player rights, Mitrovic's signing is seen as expensive due to the high salary he is expected to command.

After being acquitted in the trial for alleged involvement in sports betting, Lucas Paquetá has once again attracted interest from major English clubs . Among them is Newcastle, which has included the former Flamengo player on its list of potential signings for the current season.

According to British newspaper iPaper, Newcastle is considering signing the midfielder , currently at West Ham. Paquetá is highly regarded by club observers, who plan to formalize a proposal before the transfer window closes on September 1st.

CONTRACTUAL SITUATION

Paquetá's contract with West Ham runs until June 2027, with the option to extend for another season . Despite this, the Hammers' board is looking to restructure the squad and has not ruled out negotiating the Brazilian.

The midfielder was investigated for allegedly facilitating the receipt of yellow cards to benefit sports betting . After two years of proceedings, the English court concluded that the former Flamengo player was innocent, closing the case.

AND FLAMENGO?

The Mais Querido even considered the possibility of bringing Lucas Paquetá back this summer. However, it opted to sign Jorge Carrascal , a Colombian midfielder who was at Dynamo Moscow. Therefore, the board is unlikely to look for another player for the position in 2025.

NEXT GAME

Now, Flamengo leaves the market in the background and turns its attention to the Copa Libertadores. This Wednesday (13), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), Filipe Luís' team receives Internacional , at Maracanã, for the first leg of the round of 16.

The countdown has already begun for one of Flamengo's most important matches this season: the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16 against Internacional , this Wednesday (13), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã. The team will have to overcome significant absences and the uncertainty regarding the presence of a starter to seek a positive result at home.

Among the confirmed absences, Erick Pulgar remains out due to recovery from surgery on the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. Another absence is Danilo , who is recovering from a hamstring injury in his right thigh.

Despite showing improvement and already beginning physical therapy on the field, the defender is not expected to return until the weekend. Arrascaeta completes the list of absentees, serving a suspension after receiving his third yellow card against Deportivo Táchira (VEN) in the group stage.

DE LA CRUZ IS DOUBT

In addition to the confirmed absences, coach Filipe Luís is awaiting a decision on De La Cruz. The Uruguayan midfielder has not played since July 16 due to a problem in his left knee, but trained with the group last Monday (11).

The decision on his participation will depend on training this Tuesday (12). If he is released, the number 18 should be one of the bets to strengthen the creative sector and provide more offensive options. The expectation of his presence moves the fans , who await a definition.

CROWDED MARACANÃ AND PRESSURE

The matchup is particularly important as it's the first knockout match, and Flamengo 's goal is to capitalize on home advantage to build a favorable score. With the Maracanã packed, fans are expecting over 60,000 people.