This Friday's training defines Flamengo's starting team for the Brasileirão

Flamengo recently received an official offer from RB Leipzig of Germany for defender Léo Ortiz , a standout player on Filipe Luís's squad. The offer was around €15 million (approximately R$95.6 million), with €12 million fixed and €3 million tied to targets. However, Flamengo promptly rejected the offer, maintaining its policy of not releasing key players at this stage of the season.

In addition to Leipzig, Sporting from Portugal has also entered the fray. According to Portuguese broadcaster SIC Notícias, the club is considering making a similar offer: €15 million, plus bonuses for targets achieved.

Despite the move, sources close to the club's board of directors assure that the defender is not for sale. People close to the player also state that he himself has no desire to leave the club at this time.

LÉO ORTIZ IS AN IMPORTANT PIECE

Flamengo 's board considers Léo Ortiz essential to the team's success in national and international competitions. Signed in March 2024 for €7 million, the defender has made 74 appearances for Flamengo, scoring six goals and providing four assists. His performance has been crucial in campaigns such as the Brazilian Championship, where the club leads with defensive solidity.

TERMINATION CLAUSE

Ortiz's release clause is another factor that reinforces Flamengo's firm position. Valued at €80 million (approximately R$514 million) , the amount is far above the offers received so far for the player, who is important to Filipe Luís.

Corinthians is keeping tabs on 31-year-old striker Vitinho, who is a free agent after terminating his contract with Saudi Arabia's Al-Ettifaq . The information was released by journalist Luis Fabiani. Having not played since May, the player is evaluating his next career steps .

Vitinho rose to prominence in Brazilian football during his time at Flamengo , between 2018 and 2022, a period in which he played more than 200 games and won important titles : Libertadores (2019), Brasileiros (2019 and 2020), as well as two Supercopas do Brasil. Despite criticism from part of the fans, he was a useful piece at different times for the Rio de Janeiro club.

VITINHO DID NOT SHINE IN ARABIA

After leaving Rubro-Negro, the striker played for three seasons in Saudi Arabia, but without the same brilliance. His underwhelming performance led to the early termination of his contract . Now, as a free agent, Vitinho can sign with any club without any transfer fees.

Corinthians' interest stems from a search for specific reinforcements for the final stretch of the season. The striker's experience and versatility in the attacking sector are seen as potential differentiators for the black and white squad. There's no official offer yet, but talks are expected to evolve in the coming days.

FLAMENGO X ATLÉTICO-MG: BRAZIL CUP

After losing 1-0 at Maracanã, Flamengo will face Atlético-MG again this Wednesday (06), at 7 pm (Brasília time), in the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil, at Arena MRV, in Belo Horizonte. To advance directly, the Rio de Janeiro team needs to win by two or more goals.

If they win by just one goal, the final will be decided by penalties . Atlético-MG, on the other hand, needs a draw to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. The match will be broadcast live on SporTV (pay TV) and Premiere (pay-per-view) throughout Brazil.

Flamengo takes the field this Wednesday (6) looking for a comeback against Atlético-MG , after a 1-0 defeat at Maracanã. The ball rolls at 7 pm (Brasília time), at Arena MRV , with live broadcast on Sportv and Premiere channels. The team led by Filipe Luís needs a victory by two goals to advance directly to the quarterfinals. If they win by one, the decision will go to penalties.

Bruno Henrique and Luiz Araújo were not included in tonight's match. The coaching staff opted to rest them to manage their physical load ahead of the intense series of matches. Despite the absences, Flamengo is confident in the strength of its squad to seek qualification away from home.

ATLÉTICO-MG PLAYS FOR A DRAW

After a 1-0 win in the first leg, despite playing at Maracanã, Atlético-MG arrives in high spirits for the decisive clash. Cuca's team is also coming off a win over Bragantino in the Brasileirão and is looking to maintain its good form in front of its home crowd.

PROBABLE LINEUPS

Atlético-MG (Coach: Cuca)

Everson; Saravia, Lyanco, Alonso and Arana (Scarpa); Alexsander, Alan Franco, Scarpa (Igor Gomes); Ron, Hulk and Cuello.

Flamengo (Coach: Filipe Luis)

Rossi; Emerson Royal, Leo Ortiz, Leo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Allan, Jorginho, Arrascaeta; Luiz Araújo, Samuel Lino and Pedro.