Vasco x Flamengo for Carioca U17: Time and Where to Watch

Matheus Gonçalves' potential departure to Cruzeiro sparked an immediate backlash at Flamengo. The 19-year-old attacking midfielder, who graduated from Ninho do Urubu, was initially considered for a transfer to the Minas Gerais club, but the Flamengo board faced strong internal resistance, and the deal was put on hold.

VALUES BY GONÇALVES ARE ASTONISHING

Cruzeiro's proposal included a monthly salary of R$300,000 for Matheus Gonçalves, a higher amount than he currently earns at Flamengo. Furthermore, Raposa was willing to pay €3.5 million (approximately R$22 million) for 35% of the player's economic rights.

The negotiation was initially revealed by the profile “FlaZoeiro” and, according to Bruno Lemos, was practically closed on the night of last Friday (11). However, the developments of the last hours changed the scenario. The possible sale of Matheus Gonçalves caused great dissatisfaction among fans on social media, who considered the deal as a "direct reinforcement to a rival in the same championship". The discomfort also reached the club's Deliberative Council, with some councilors demanding a firmer position from the board against this type of negotiation.

FLAMENGO CONTINUES TO RISE IN NEGOTIATIONS

Internally, pressure has increased to the point that some of Flamengo's leadership now considers the retreat the most prudent decision. This isn't the first time Flamengo has been forced to reconsider a transfer market move due to external pressure. A similar situation recently occurred with Irish striker Michael Johnston, whose ticket to Rio de Janeiro was booked but ultimately rejected after strong fan backlash on social media.

Another example was the case of Victor Hugo, who had a negotiation lined up with Famalicão, a Portuguese club. The deal envisaged the player's departure without immediate costs, with Flamengo retaining only a percentage of his economic rights. The idea didn't please either the board or the fans, and the deal was blocked internally.

Flamengo celebrated Vinicius Júnior's birthday this Wednesday (3) with a tribute on social media . In a post on official platforms, the club congratulated the Real Madrid striker, who has been facing a difficult phase at the Merengue club , praising his trajectory from the youth teams to global protagonism.

MESSAGE FROM MENGÃO

Flamengo to Vini Jr: "May you continue dancing and enchanting the planet with your talent"

"Our young Vini Jr. is celebrating his birthday today! May you continue to dance and enchant the planet with your talent. Congratulations, best in the world!" the club wrote . The striker, current holder of the FIFA World Player of the Year award, always makes a point of emphasizing the club's importance in his career.

The message reinforces Flamengo's emotional bond with the striker, who was nurtured at Ninho do Urubu and is now considered one of the greatest names in international football. The tribute also highlights the club's pride in seeing a homegrown athlete reach the top of the sport .

A SYMBOL FOR FANS AND INSPIRATION FOR NEW GENERATIONS

Vinicius Júnior isn't just another name who came through the club's youth academy . From a young age, he demonstrated talent, personality, and a strong connection with the club. Today, even playing for Real Madrid, the number 7 is seen as a role model for the youth academy and an undisputed idol among the fans.

Flamengo's tribute goes beyond formality. It reaffirms the club's identity with its "crias" and shows that the bond with Vinicius remains strong —despite the distance. The relationship is one of mutual pride: while Flamengo is proud of what he has become, Vinicius continues to carry the club's name in his heart.

Rodrygo could be another big-name Brazilian player to land in Saudi Arabia. A standout for Real Madrid in recent seasons, the striker has lost his place in the first team and is now being targeted by Al-Nassr, the club managed by Jorge Jesus. This information was released by journalist Ekrem Konur.

NEWS IS HOPEFUL

According to Konur, the Saudi club has already opened talks with the player's representatives and presented an ambitious sports project with a robust financial proposal. Al-Nassr intends to form a new star-studded attacking duo, with Rodrygo and Cristiano Ronaldo as the main players.

Jorge Jesus, Al-Nassr's coach and a longtime Flamengo fan favorite, believes Rodrygo could be a key player in the squad's overhaul. With a memorable stint with Flamengo, the Portuguese is looking for a fast, technical player who fits into their attacking style of play. The Brazilian's versatility, capable of playing both on the wings and inside, is appealing.

THE PLAYER CAN BE TRAINED BY JORGE JESUS

Despite Arab interest and the player's possible desire to move, Real Madrid has no intention of facilitating his release. Rodrygo's contract runs until June 2028, and the Madrid board has already set a minimum price of 100 million euros (approximately R$640 million) to initiate any negotiations. Internally, Real Madrid still views Rodrygo as a strategic asset, both sportingly and on the market.

Even with the loss of playing time, the club values the player's age, technical potential, and recent track record, having already decided important matches for the Whites. The loss of playing time happened gradually. With Xabi Alonso 's arrival as coach, Rodrygo began to be used less. In the final stretch of last season, he was overlooked in key matches and often started on the bench. This led to discussions behind the scenes about his continued presence.