Training session defines Flamengo's starting lineup to face Internacional in the Brasileirão

In a surprising move, Sportingbet, the bookmaker that already features on Palmeiras' shirt, is set to take over as Flamengo's master sponsor . The club confirmed on Friday afternoon (15) that there is already a winner in the competition for the most prestigious space on the uniform , with the official announcement scheduled for Monday (18).

FAREWELL TO PIXBET

According to UOL journalist Mauro Cezar Pereira, Sportingbet has outbid other major companies in the sector and is in the process of formalizing a contract with Flamengo . The dispute became necessary after Flamengo terminated its relationship with Pixbet, a longtime partner, due to payment delays and issues with government agencies.

The end of the partnership with Pixbet was made official hours before the duel against Internacional for the Libertadores, last Wednesday (13). On that occasion, the team entered the field with the word “thank you” printed above the former sponsor , as a gesture of gratitude for the period of collaboration.

TIGHT COMPETITION

Behind the scenes, Flamengo acted quickly to secure a new partner . The board of directors opened a competition, asking interested companies to submit sealed proposals. Initially, Betano and Superbet emerged as the favorites.

With the entry of other companies, such as Esportes da Sorte, 7K Bet, and Bet Nacional, the competition took on new dimensions. Superbet, which was well-positioned, decided to withdraw after the number of competitors increased . If the deal goes through, Sportingbet will sponsor the two clubs that have excelled in Brazilian football in recent years, deepening the rivalry between them on the national stage.

Argentine midfielder Esequiel Barco has returned to Flamengo's radar . According to information from Italian journalist Marco Mampreso, from the Oggi Sport Notizie portal, the player has already reached an agreement with the Rubro-Negro , with only negotiations with Spartak Moscow, from Russia, remaining.

According to the publication, Flamengo is expected to formalize an offer of €14 million (approximately R$88 million) to try to convince the Russians to release the athlete. Previously, Mengão had offered €10 million, but Spartak promptly rejected the offer.

Barco's name had already been floated behind the scenes at the Rio de Janeiro club when negotiations with Colombian Jorge Carrascal became complicated. However, the possibility faded after the former Dynamo Moscow player's arrival .

FLAMENGO PRIORITIZES A CENTER FORWARD IN THE WINDOW

Despite the interest in Barco , the club's board maintains the signing of a center forward as a priority in this transfer window. The club has not ruled out investing up to €15 million to strengthen its attacking position.

NEXT APPOINTMENT

While the board takes care of the transfer window, coach Filipe Luís is concerned with preparing the team that will take to the field to face Internacional this Sunday (17) at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), for the 20th round of the Brasileirão. Mais Querido is the leader of the competition with 40 points and is looking for a victory to remain isolated in first place.

Lucas Paquetá's future at West Ham could be decided in the coming days . According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the midfielder is considering transfer options after being acquitted of sports betting manipulation charges . The transfer window remains open until early September, on Deadline Day.

Although there are no official offers yet, interest in the former Flamengo player is growing, especially among European clubs. West Ham has not ruled out the Brazilian's departure, as he is unlikely to be a central player in the squad this season . Financial and sporting factors also weigh in on the English club's decision.

MANCHESTER CITY REMAINS ON THE RADAR

Manchester City has already expressed interest in Lucas Paquetá . In 2023, Pep Guardiola publicly praised the player, and the boards even opened talks. However, negotiations cooled after the sports betting case was opened . Even after the acquittal, the Citizens have yet to formalize a new offer, but the possibility of an approach before the end of the window is not ruled out.

IMPACT ON THE BRAZILIAN NATIONAL TEAM

During the investigation, Paquetá was left out of the Brazilian national team squad. Coaches such as Fernando Diniz, Dorival Júnior, and Carlo Ancelotti chose not to call him up , which reduced his visibility and limited his opportunities on the international stage. The absence directly affected the player's reputation, which saw his career suffer amid the controversy.

POSSIBLE DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS

Despite being acquitted by the English FA, which found no evidence of match-fixing , Paquetá was found guilty of failing to fully cooperate with the investigation. Therefore, he may still be fined, although the exact amount of the fine has not been determined.