OUT! Flamengo announces lineup to face Atlético-MG in the Brasileirão

After the Brazilian Championship victory over Internacional, coach Filipe Luís opened up about the physical development of Saúl , the Spanish midfielder who has been gaining ground at Mais Querido. The coach explained that the athlete's recovery requires patience , but highlighted his performance in the match played at Beira-Rio.

"Saúl had an excellent game. When he joined Flamengo , he wasn't training with any other team and was on vacation. Until he got back to fitness, I tried to give him minutes . This defensive midfielder role is so important on my team ; it's the heart of the team and demands a lot," he said at a press conference.

During the interview, Filipe Luís emphasized that it's not easy for an athlete to return to competitive rhythm after being sidelined. Still, he assessed that Saúl showed significant improvement: " It's not easy to come in and play, but I felt he was ready, and he significantly raised the team's level (against Inter)."

SAÚL ADMITS THAT HE IS NOT 100% YET

The midfielder himself also commented on his physical condition upon leaving the field. In an interview, the player revealed he was satisfied with his performance, but aware that he still needs to improve. " I felt good, but there are still a few things I need to do to be 100%. But this also gives me the confidence to help the team more with each game. We played a great, solid game. I'll feel better with each game," said Saúl.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT COMMITMENT

Rubro-Negro returns to the field this Wednesday (20), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time) , at Maracanã, to face Internacional again, this time for the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores. The fight for a place in the quarterfinals should count on the presence of Saúl, who fights for position with Allan.

Atalanta, from Italy, remains firmly interested in signing Rodrigo Muniz, who came through the Rio de Janeiro club's youth ranks. The Italian club put forward a €35 million (approximately R$227.5 million) offer to buy the striker from Fulham, England. However, the English board declined the offer, as they expect to negotiate the striker for even higher fees.

Even without directly participating in the negotiations, Flamengo closely monitors market movements. This is because it retains 25% of the rights to any future sale of the player , in addition to the 5% stipulated by the training club mechanism.

If Atalanta's offer were accepted, the Brazilian club would pocket R$68.2 million . It's worth noting that Muniz scored in Fulham's Premier League debut, drawing the match against the Brighton club.

RODRIGO MUNIZ HAS A CONTRACT UNTIL 2026

The striker has a contract with Fulham until June 2026 and has been attracting attention from other Premier League giants. In recent months, names such as Tottenham, Newcastle, and Leeds United have emerged as potential interested parties in signing him.

FLAMENGO'S COMMITMENT

While monitoring the international market from afar, Flamengo remains focused on the ongoing competitions. The team led by Filipe Luís takes the field this Wednesday (20), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), against Internacional, at Maracanã, for the first leg of the round of 16 of the Libertadores.

According to information from UOL, Rubro-Negro presented an offer of seven million euros (approximately R$45 million) for 60% of the economic rights of Gabriel Brazão, Santos' standout goalkeeper in 2025. Despite the significant amount, the Santos board chose not to advance in the negotiations.

"I received the offer, I left it with the club, and the club took the direction it thought best. I'm happy here (at Santos), and I want to bring joy to Santos fans again. I'm with the club until the end and I'll keep working," Brazão declared.

DOES FLAMENGO CONFIRM THE NEGOTIATION?

Early in the afternoon of this Monday (18), Gazeta do Urubu once again sought sources from the board about the case. Therefore, people linked to Flamengo revealed that the athlete is being monitored, but there was never an official proposal.

With 33 appearances in 2025, Gabriel Brazão has established himself as a key player in the Santos squad . The board, which has already released João Paulo on loan to Bahia, considers it crucial to keep him at least until the end of the season, even with the pressure from major clubs.

FLAMENGO WATCHES THE MARKET

The move comes at a time of transition at the goalkeeper position in Flamengo 's squad. With Matheus Cunha confirmed to be leaving for Cruzeiro starting in 2025, the board is looking for market options to strengthen the position and keep the squad competitive.