Pedro’s winner sparks new Flamengo storm | OneFootball

The situation surrounding Pedro at Flamengo took a new turn following his decisive impact in the club’s recent clássico victory against Fluminense, as discussed on Monday by former coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo, according to Lance.

Pedro, who had previously been left out of the squad for matches against São Paulo and Santos and was the subject of contentious post-match interviews, came off the bench under Filipe Luís and netted the match-winner at the Maracanã. The goal not only ended a difficult period for the striker but also brought increased attention to speculation about his future at Flamengo.

Luxemburgo, speaking on the "Galvão e Amigos" program, addressed reports that a €15 million bid would be enough for Flamengo to sell the forward. He dismissed the notion, saying, “If an offer comes for 15 million euros, Flamengo won’t sell. That’s nonsense coming from inside the club. It’s just an invented story. Flamengo won't sell, Pedro isn’t a player you sell for 15 million. That’s the reality. Something isn’t being told properly.” Luxemburgo’s comments reflect ongoing uncertainty—and perhaps some discontent—about how Pedro's value and role are being handled between the club’s hierarchy and sporting staff.

Meanwhile, recently appointed head coach Filipe Luís moved to downplay any suggestion of a rift or unresolved issues around the number nine. In his post-match remarks, he emphasized that the situation was “completely closed,” stating, “There’s no controversy, absolutely nothing. I’m the happiest man in the world when a player like him comes on and scores the winning goal. Football gives you these opportunities.” Filipe Luís further underlined the squad-first mentality, saying, “No one is more important than the team. Neither Pedro nor any other player, present or past, is above Flamengo.”

He also expressed satisfaction with Pedro’s broader performance: “We needed Pedro and I liked not just his goal but how he played defensively, how he worked with his teammates. He recovered his spark and we need him. I’m very happy, truly happy.”

With Pedro’s return to scoring form and his coach’s public support, the coming weeks will reveal whether this signals a new chapter for the striker or if off-field speculation continues. For now, internal debate persists about his valuation and indispensability—issues unlikely to fade quickly in the high-pressure Flamengo environment.

(Sources: Lance)

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