MISS FLAMENGO? ARRASCAETA POST "TBT" WITH GERSON AND BRUNO HENRIQUE AMID THE CUP AMÉRICA

Saúl Ñíguez, one of Flamengo's key signings in the last transfer window, was very close to playing in Turkey before signing with the Rio de Janeiro club. Technical director José Boto revealed that the Spaniard had already reached an agreement with Trabzonspor , but the negotiations changed course overnight.

According to Boto, the opportunity arose shortly after Erick Pulgar's injury and Gerson 's departure. " Saúl emerged as a player capable of playing both roles; he was free on the market, but with a move to Trabzonspor almost certain ," he said.

He stated that the deal with the midfielder took place the night after the game against São Paulo. " That morning we managed to bring him to Brazil and not to where he was going, " he added in an interview with the UOL Esporte portal.

SAÚL ÑÍGUEZ BECOMES ABSOLUTE HOLDER

The change of direction proved positive for both Flamengo and the athlete. In a short time in Rio de Janeiro, Saúl won over the Flamengo fans and assumed a starting spot in midfield . His versatility has been crucial for the team, filling in for absences and strengthening the central midfield.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT CHALLENGE

With Saúl available, Flamengo returns to the field this Thursday (18) to face Estudiantes , from Argentina, in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. The match takes place at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã.

Flamengo's technical director, José Boto, addressed various topics from the season in a recent interview . Among them was the departure of Gerson, who was transferred to Zenit (RUS) for €25 million. The director explained how the transfer directly impacted the Flamengo market and negotiations for reinforcements.

José Boto on Gerson's departure from Flamengo: "I always had the feeling that Gerson aspired to a higher salary"

GERSON'S DEPARTURE CHANGED THE NEGOTIATION SCENARIO

According to Boto, after Gerson's sale, the clubs negotiating with Flamengo began demanding tougher terms, such as larger upfront payments and fewer installments. The board, however, maintained its stance.

"There was an additional issue that made negotiations take longer: the sale of Gerson . When clubs know we're receiving €25 million upfront, they start wanting us to pay upfront or with smaller installments . We never wanted to get into that, because it would send a bad signal to the market," Boto told UOL.

This stance meant that the signings took longer to be confirmed, generating criticism from fans and the press . The manager acknowledged his discomfort with the "noise" surrounding the issue due to statements made before the window opened.

"Perhaps I was to blame for this because I said in an interview that negotiations were already underway and we expected to bring in players early. It created unnecessary fuss, and it seemed like everything was wrong . Then, when the players arrived at the right time, without paying more than we should have, the window became one of the best in history."

THE BIGGEST WINDOW IN FLAMENGO'S HISTORY

Despite the initial turbulence, the club closed the biggest transfer window in its history, with R$277 million invested in Samuel Lino, Emerson Royal, Jorge Carrascal and Saúl Ñíguez — the latter signed without transfer fees.

BOTO ABOUT GERSON'S DECISION

Commenting on Gerson's departure, Boto treated the player's choice matter-of-factly. According to him, there was never a €29 million offer, as was previously reported . The real offer was a fixed €18 million, with unrealistic bonuses.

"I always had the feeling that Gerson aspired to a higher salary, which is natural. It was agreed that he would only leave if they paid him upfront, and that's what happened . It's perfectly normal in football," the director explained. The departure, however, didn't sit well with the fans, who felt the decision diminished the idolization of Gerson, one of the leaders of the red-and-black squad in recent years.

Flamengo's squad returned to work on Tuesday morning (16), at Ninho do Urubu, after having a day off on Monday (15) . The activity starts at 9:30 am (Brasília time) and marked the beginning of preparations for the duel against Estudiantes de La Plata (ARG), valid for the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores.

ROSSI GIVES PRESS RELEASE

The club's communications department announced that goalkeeper Agustín Rossi will be the team's spokesperson for the day . The number 1 will hold a press conference immediately after training, scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at Ninho do Urubu. You can stay up to date with everything in Gazeta do Urubu.

HOW WAS THE VICTORY AGAINST JUVENTUDE

Last Sunday (14), Flamengo defeated Juventude 2-0 at Alfredo Jaconi Stadium in Caxias do Sul in the Brazilian Championship . Arrascaeta opened the scoring in the first half, while Emerson Royal doubled the lead in the second, both with headers, sealing the victory for Flamengo. With the result, the team broke a nearly 28-year drought without beating Juventude away from home.

SITUATION IN THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

The victory took Flamengo to 50 points, maintaining its sole lead in the tournament . "Mais Querido" also bolstered its stats as the best attack (47 goals scored) and best defense (only ten conceded in 22 matches). "Mais Querido" also leads a set of statistics in the Brasileirão.

NEXT CHALLENGE

Now, the focus turns to the Libertadores. Flamengo faces Estudiantes this Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã . The return game, in La Plata, is already scheduled for September 25. The match will be broadcast on ESPN (pay TV) and Disney+ (streaming) throughout Brazil.