Iago scores on home debut amid possible final days at Flamengo | OneFootball

Iago scored a late header on his professional home debut to earn Flamengo a 1-1 draw with Portuguesa at the Raulino de Oliveira in the Campeonato Carioca opener. According to Globo.com, the 20-year-old is in the final year of his contract and could be sold in this window, otherwise he can sign a pre-contract in mid-year.

As in the U-20 Intercontinental Cup final against Barcelona, the centre-back went up in the closing minutes and headed in to avoid defeat. It was his first senior goal.

A Volta Redonda native, he has happy memories at the stadium, lifting the Copa do Brasil Sub-17 in 2021 against São Paulo and the Brasileiro Sub-20 in 2023 against Palmeiras.

He said celebrating the moment with family and friends in his home city felt special. For a 19 or 20-year-old, he added, senior minutes matter, and having aged out of the under-20s he aims to make the most of the Carioca.

Opportunities remain limited under Filipe Luís, with João Victor ahead last season and new signing Vitão further blocking his path. Flamengo are thought to want a fee rather than repeat recent free departures, and there has been interest from Club Brugge and Al-Qadsiah, plus clubs in Italy, Portugal, Denmark and the UAE.

He is set to feature at least twice more, away to Bangu on Wednesday at Moça Bonita and against Volta Redonda on Saturday back at the Raulino, when the under-20s are expected to be used again. Coach Bruno Pivetti highlighted his defensive duels, aerial threat and potential, calling him an important presence with a bright future.

Source: Globo.com