Leonardo Jardim recalls Cruzeiro attempt to sign Flamengo’s Matheus Gonçalves, says Luiz Araújo was vetoed | OneFootball

Leonardo Jardim recalled Cruzeiro’s attempt to sign Flamengo midfielder Matheus Gonçalves during last season.

According to Coluna Do Fla, speaking on Thursday at Ninho do Urubu, the Portuguese said Cruzeiro lacked players of that technical profile to give the team different qualities. He added he had also asked for Luiz Araújo, a proposal Flamengo vetoed.

Gonçalves struggled for minutes under Filipe Luís last season, so he explored a move. Cruzeiro were the first club to push for the midfielder.

While featuring for Flamengo’s under-20s, he even bid farewell, saying it would be his last match in the shirt. The clubs failed to agree terms and the transfer did not happen.

Flamengo later sold Matheus Gonçalves to Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia, receiving about R$ 50 million and retaining 20% of his economic rights.

With Jardim in charge but without Gonçalves, Flamengo face Fluminense in the Carioca final on Sunday at the Maracanã, kick-off 18:00 Brasília time.

Source: Coluna Do Fla