Window nears close, Flamengo still lack a striker to rotate with Pedro | OneFootball

With the transfer window approaching its final days, Flamengo still have no specialist centre-forward to share the load with Pedro.

According to Globo.com, when Pedro is not starting, Filipe Luís tends to improvise. In the Recopa Sul-Americana first leg against Lanús in Argentina, Pedro and Bruno Henrique began on the bench, Plata was suspended, and Carrascal led the line. The move misfired and reignited the search question.

The first Brazilian window closes on three March and there are currently no moves. The likelihood is that a striker remains a mid-year target.

Flamengo’s main push was for Kaio Jorge, rejected by Cruzeiro. Richarlison and Marcos Leonardo were assessed, but obstacles went beyond finances. Richarlison does not want to return to Brazil now, and an Al-Hilal centre-forward turned down an approach in the second window of 2025.

The 42 million euro Lucas Paquetá deal from West Ham, R$ 260 million, tightened the budget. Any addition now would probably need to be a loan, and viable options are lacking. Football director José Boto believes only a top-level signing that truly elevates the team is worthwhile, with Paquetá’s versatility justifying that outlay.

Alongside Filipe Luís, the need for a different profile to Pedro has been identified. Pedro started five of nine matches in 2026 and featured in three others, scoring two with one assist.

Bruno Henrique has two goals and two assists in eight games, three starts. Plata has one goal in seven, five starts, and even Paquetá has filled in briefly. The staff view the absence of a natural deputy as secondary to defensive leaks, eight straight concessions, and creative issues with Arrascaeta short of 2025 rhythm.

Even so, early stumbles have intensified calls for a goalscorer, which could accelerate the hunt before the window shuts. The board are watching for an opportunity.

Source: Globo.com