Flamengo admit error in Juninho sale, take lesson for future signings | OneFootball

Flamengo have acknowledged misjudging the sale of Juninho after an internal review. The forward was the first signing of the current regime in January last year from Qarabag of Azerbaijan, a deal totalling R$ 52.7 million including taxes and commission. The move drew criticism because he was recruited from a little‑regarded corner of world football.

"I am very satisfied with the signings since I took over the club," said club president Bap. "Even one that did not work so well, like Juninho, I understand it was not because of the athlete, it was our mistake." He was speaking to Sport Insider on N Sports' YouTube channel last Thursday.

"Léo Pereira took how long to be embraced by Flamengo's fans? A year and a half. Michael? More than a year. Rodinei? Almost two. Pulgar? A year. Today a player arrives and everyone wants him to arrive flying and be sensational. It is not simple to play for a club like Flamengo, the exposure, the demands, the pressure, it is a package."

He was sold in December to Pumas for five million euros, about R$ 32.3 million at the time. He has since recorded 12 goal contributions, eight goals and four assists, in 20 games in Mexico.

Juninho spent one year at Flamengo, playing 32 matches, only seven starts, and scoring four goals. The goals came against Portuguesa-RJ and Fluminense in the Carioca, Sport in the Brasileirão, and Deportivo Táchira in the Libertadores.

Source: Globo.com