IT'S GOING TO BE PACKED! CHECK OUT THE PART OF TICKETS SOLD FOR FLAMENGO

Flamengo is very close to finalizing the signing of Michael Johnston, a 26-year-old Irish striker from Celtic in Scotland. Negotiations have progressed in recent days and the player already has an estimated date to arrive in Rio de Janeiro. If everything is finalized without any obstacles, Johnston will be only the sixth European-born player to wear the club's shirt in over a century of history.

The movement in the market reinforces Rubro-Negro's strategy of qualifying the squad with names that can offer new offensive solutions , especially after the injuries of some players.

NEW STYLE MOUNTED IN FLAMENGO

The football department sees in Johnston a player with different characteristics and who can fit into the playing style of the team led by Filipe Luís at Mais Querido.

Despite its long history and tradition, Flamengo has rarely had players born in Europe over the years. To date, only five Europeans have officially played with the Sacred Mantle. The list includes historical names and others with a more discreet history. Let's take a look back at the cases:

1. Harry Welfare (England)

2. José Ufarte (Spain

3. Mariusz Piekarski (Poland)

4. Petkovic (Serbia)

5. Pablo Mari (Spain)

6. Michael Johnson (Ireland)

A NEW NAME AS A BET FOR THE MOST LOVED ONE

If the deal with Michael Johnston is completed , he will become the sixth European in the club's history and the second born in the British Isles, alongside Welfare. The number reinforces the rarity of signings of this type at Flamengo. Over the years, the Rio de Janeiro club has always prioritized South American and Brazilian athletes. Johnston's arrival, therefore, deviates somewhat from the traditional profile and shows how the European market is also being monitored by the board.

Gracyanne Barbosa has not renewed her contract with a well-known energy drink brand. The fitness influencer, who was the face of the brand for a significant period, stated through her press office that the decision was made by "mutual agreement" and did not involve replacement by another personality.

The former dancer explained that the choice was made for strategic reasons and the desire to focus on new professional projects. According to her, the intention is to reposition her image, seeking campaigns more aligned with her current moment.

MARKING A NEW PHASE

Gracyanne 's departure coincided with the arrival of Rayane Figliuzzi, Belo's current girlfriend, as the brand's spokesperson . Sources close to the company indicate that management was dissatisfied with the results of the previous campaign and was looking to renew the brand's image and engagement.

According to internal data, Rayane's digital presence brought remarkable results: a video published on the brand's profiles in partnership with the influencer reached more than 288 thousand views in just a few hours on air, a number much higher than previous interactions, which were around 3 thousand.

RAYANE REPLIES TO COMMENTS

Since her participation in " BBB 25", Rayane has been facing controversies involving her personal and academic life . The former sister was the target of criticism for controversial information about her education and behavior on the reality show.

Flamengo entered the field with the clear mission of winning by at least two goals to stay alive in the competition. The plan was aggressive from the start, with high marking and quick transitions. Just 9 minutes in, the strategy paid off: Lorran led a fast counterattack and left Rafael Couto in a great position. Bill was face to face with goalkeeper Gabriel Felix, but was stopped by the tricolor's good defense.

Fluminense then showed efficiency. Júlio Fidelis crossed from the right, and Keven Samuel appeared well in the area to open the scoring for the home team. The goal slowed down Flamengo's pace, who felt the blow and saw their rival manage the advantage intelligently.

LORRAN TRIED BUT COULDN'T REVERSE IT

Still in the first half, Rubro-Negro had another opportunity in the 37th minute . Lorran found Bill in good condition again , but once again the striker did not take advantage. In the 43rd minute, the number 11 had another clear chance, but Gabriel Felix made another great save. In injury time, Wanderson received a good pass on the right, crossed into the area, but no one was able to finish.

FLAMENGO ELIMINATED FROM THE OPG TOURNAMENT

The first half ended with Flamengo on top, but without converting their superiority into a goal. The second half began like the first: Flamengo pressing. Lorran took a dangerous free kick in the first few minutes, forcing another save from the tricolor goalkeeper.

However, in one of Fluminense's few attempts, Dohmann took a long-range shot and took advantage of a mistake by the red-black goalkeeper to make it 2-0, further increasing the aggregate advantage, now 3-0 for Tricolor. Flamengo's response was not long in coming. In the 13th minute, Jorge Mora made a good play on the left and found Lorran inside the area. The number 10 finished with class to reduce the deficit: 2-1 in the game, 3-1 on aggregate.