Leonardo Jardim arrives in Rio to finalise Flamengo contract after Filipe Luís exit | OneFootball

According to Coluna Do Fla, new Flamengo head coach Leonardo Jardim has arrived in Rio de Janeiro to sign his contract, landing at Galeão on Tuesday at around 19:00 Brasília time. He avoided media and supporters by leaving via an alternative route.

Jardim had already been in Brazil, in Minas Gerais on personal matters. His last job was at Cruzeiro in Belo Horizonte, where he finished third in the Brasileirão in December.

After Flamengo lost to Lanús of Argentina in the Recopa, the club concluded Filipe Luís's tenure had ended and opened talks with Jardim. The sides had also spoken late last year when the former full-back's renewal stalled, but the Portuguese chose not to proceed as he needed a rest.

Ready to return, Jardim reached agreement with Flamengo at the weekend and will meet the board to sign a two-season deal running to the end of 2027. The club delayed announcing Filipe Luís's departure until after the Carioca semi-final, a match Flamengo won 8-0 against Madureira.

Jardim is set to be introduced to the squad on Wednesday and begin preparations for the Campeonato Carioca final.

Flamengo face Fluminense at the Maracanã on Sunday, with kick-off at 18:00 Brasília time.

Source: Coluna Do Fla