
Soccer
04 Mai 2025 | 13:37 |
Arrascaeta's current contract with Flamengo runs until the end of 2026. Despite this, the club has not yet made any progress in negotiations for an extension. Internally, Rubro-Negro is not treating the situation as urgent. This stance has opened the way for behind-the-scenes moves. Pedro Lourenço, owner of Cruzeiro's SAF, maintains his long-standing desire to bring Arrascaeta back. The number 10 had a remarkable stint at Toca da Raposa before transferring to Flamengo in 2019.
According to Jorge Nicola, the dream is still alive, even if it seems unfeasible in the short term. Cruzeiro's current strategy is clear: if Flamengo does not renew Arrascaeta's contract by the end of his contract, the club intends to act. In 2026, the player will be able to sign a pre-contract with any team. And Cruzeiro wants to be ready for that.
“If Flamengo continues to have difficulty in extending the contract, it is safe to assume that Cruzeiro will work to sign Arrascaeta next year,” said Jorge Nicola on his YouTube channel. Currently, an immediate departure of Arrascaeta is out of the question. Flamengo is not considering reinforcing a direct competitor in Brazil. The only possibility would be to pay the termination fee, estimated at 50 million euros. Something considered unrealistic for Brazilian football at this time.
Aware of the financial barrier and Flamengo's stance, Cruzeiro has adopted a more cautious approach. The idea is to wait for time to play in their favor. Internally, the club understands that, as the months go by and the end of the contract approaches, the scenario may become more accessible. Despite his current identification with Flamengo, where he is considered one of the greatest idols of the winning generation since 2019, Arrascaeta also has a strong connection with Cruzeiro. It was with the blue jersey that the Uruguayan projected himself on the national scene, winning titles and individual prominence.
Even with his future up in the air, Arrascaeta's performance this season remains high. Under Filipe Luís 's command, the number 10 has scored five goals and provided three assists in five games in the Brasileirão Betano, showing that he is still a key player in the red-black squad. Behind the scenes at Ninho do Urubu, the stance is clear: the board will decide when to discuss a renewal with Arrascaeta. There is no rush or alarm. Flamengo understands that, for now, the focus should be on performance on the field and the competitions at hand.
The Rio de Janeiro team heads into the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16 with confirmed absences and doubts about De La Cruz, looking for an advantage at the Maracanã
12 Ago 2025 | 19:08 |
The countdown has already begun for one of Flamengo's most important matches this season: the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16 against Internacional , this Wednesday (13), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã. The team will have to overcome significant absences and the uncertainty regarding the presence of a starter to seek a positive result at home.
Among the confirmed absences, Erick Pulgar remains out due to recovery from surgery on the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. Another absence is Danilo , who is recovering from a hamstring injury in his right thigh.
Despite showing improvement and already beginning physical therapy on the field, the defender is not expected to return until the weekend. Arrascaeta completes the list of absentees, serving a suspension after receiving his third yellow card against Deportivo Táchira (VEN) in the group stage.
In addition to the confirmed absences, coach Filipe Luís is awaiting a decision on De La Cruz. The Uruguayan midfielder has not played since July 16 due to a problem in his left knee, but trained with the group last Monday (11).
The decision on his participation will depend on training this Tuesday (12). If he is released, the number 18 should be one of the bets to strengthen the creative sector and provide more offensive options. The expectation of his presence moves the fans , who await a definition.
The matchup is particularly important as it's the first knockout match, and Flamengo 's goal is to capitalize on home advantage to build a favorable score. With the Maracanã packed, fans are expecting over 60,000 people.
Teams take to the field this Wednesday (13), at 9:30 pm, looking for a decisive advantage for the return game and keeping the continental dream alive
12 Ago 2025 | 18:37 |
Wednesday night (13) promises strong emotions at Maracanã. Flamengo and Internacional face each other at 9:30 pm (Brasília time) for the first leg of the round of 16 of the Libertadores . Both teams are looking to build a significant advantage for the return leg, keeping alive the objective of continuing in the fight for the continental title.
The Rio de Janeiro club arrives buoyed by its lead in the Brasileirão , despite having played a game less, after beating Mirassol 2-1 last weekend. The result helped improve the mood within the squad, which was coming off an early elimination from the Copa do Brasil against Atlético-MG.
Coach Filipe Luís will have a significant absence: Arrascaeta, suspended, is out of the match. On the other hand, Nico De La Cruz is expected to return to the starting lineup. Thus, Flamengo 's likely starting lineup is: Rossi; Alex Sandro, Léo Pereira, Léo Ortiz, Emerson Royal; Allan, Jorginho, Samuel Lino, Luiz Araújo, Plata; Pedro.
Internacional, on the Colorado side, arrives confident after a 3-1 away win over RB Bragantino in the Brasileirão. Despite their recent elimination from the Copa do Brasil to Fluminense, Roger Machado's team is showing signs of improvement. The likely lineup is: Rochet; Bernabei, Victor Gabriel, Vitão, Aguirre; Thiago Maia, Bruno Henrique, Wesley, Alan Patrick, Bruno Tabata; Borré.
WHERE TO WATCH LIVE
Fans will be able to watch the match on broadcast TV, on Globo, and also on ESPN and Disney+. A full house is expected at Maracanã, with overwhelming support from the red-and-black fans, with over 60,000 people in attendance.
Negotiations could yield more than R$600 million over three years, surpassing previous agreements and strengthening the club's financial stability.
12 Ago 2025 | 17:21 |
The current sponsorship agreement calls for PixBet to pay R$105 million in 2024 and R$115 million in 2025 , with the possibility of automatic renewal until 2027, when the annual amount would reach R$125 million . At the same time, FlaBet, the PixBet division authorized to use the club's brand , will also cease its activities, with expected payments of R$10 million in 2024, R$22.5 million in 2025, and R$25 million in 2026 and 2027.
SuperBet, the new bidder for the mastercard space, is negotiating a contract estimated at over R$600 million over the next three years. If signed, the deal would become the largest ever signed in Brazilian football, guaranteeing significant revenue for the Rio de Janeiro club.
The transition between sponsors is seen as a strategic opportunity to strengthen Flamengo 's financial health. The board intends to direct part of the resources toward strengthening the squad and investing in infrastructure, ensuring competitiveness in national and international competitions.
Even with negotiations at an advanced stage, the club remains cautious to maintain a good relationship with PixBet until the official termination of the contract. The goal is to complete the transition smoothly , ensuring a planned and safe transition.
If finalized, the deal with SuperBet will not only represent the largest sponsorship contract in the country , but will also give Mengão a prominent position in the South American sports scene. The arrival of a new sponsor at this level should further boost investment potential, increasing the team's ability to retain star players and attract key reinforcements.