Flamengo’s €30m demand and surprise winger shake-up | OneFootball

Flamengo's transfer activity has entered a crucial phase as the club aims to reinforce its squad while managing persistent interest from European teams in several key players, according to Globo, Lance, and La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Negotiations for Colombian midfielder Jorge Carrascal remain at a standstill. Flamengo reached an understanding with the player some time ago and attempted to wrap up the transfer from Dynamo Moscow before the FIFA Club World Cup. However, club executives felt the Russian side sought to capitalise on the tournament to inflate Carrascal’s price, prompting Flamengo to tread carefully. The Brazilian club has submitted an offer worth €12 million, payable in instalments, but Dynamo are insistent on a €15 million fee and also want bank guarantees to secure the deal. This impasse led Carrascal to briefly stay away from Dynamo’s pre-season, irritating the Russian team’s leadership, before he eventually returned to join friendly matches—appearing off the bench in a recent 3-1 win over Partizan.

Underlying the tension, there remains lingering discontent from Dynamo over Flamengo’s previous acquisition of right back Varela, who joined on a free after activating the "war clause" that allows players to suspend their contracts with Russian clubs. The Brazilian side points to changes in both clubs’ leadership since then, but the strained relationship has complicated the latest talks.

Meanwhile, Flamengo continue to reshape their attacking unit. The imminent arrival of Irish winger Mikey Johnston from West Bromwich Albion is set to cost Flamengo around £5 million. Johnston, who can play on either flank, scored four goals in 20 English Championship matches last season and has been signed off on by both the coaching staff and football department. His addition puts the futures of Michael and Everton Cebolinha in question. Michael has attracted interest from Al Duhail in Qatar, and Cebolinha has fallen out of favour under the current coaching setup, with both potentially leaving if appealing offers arrive.

Attention also turns to the right back position, with Roma stepping up attempts to sign Wesley. While reports suggest the Italian side is preparing a bid near €25 million structured as a loan with an obligation to buy, Flamengo are holding firm for a minimum of €30 million. Football director José Boto reiterated the club's position, saying, "20 million euros, like I’ve heard, are not enough to sign him—at least 30. Wesley is ready for Europe. He is a huge talent."

In the midfield, Flamengo are looking at further reinforcements following Gerson’s €25 million move to Zenit St. Petersburg. The club continues to survey the market for a creative central midfielder and another dynamic winger to bolster competition among its wide attacking options.

With the Brazilian transfer window rapidly approaching, Flamengo’s board remains proactive but deliberate—balancing the need to strengthen with financial prudence while adapting to evolving squad dynamics and external pressures.

(Sources: Globo, Lance, La Gazzetta dello Sport, Express & Star)

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