Coluna do Fla
·1 août 2026
Arab side announce Samir signing, ex-Flamengo centre-back

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Yahoo sportsColuna do Fla
·1 août 2026

The second transfer window of 2026 is still open, and clubs around world football are looking for reinforcements in the market. With that in mind, Al-Dhafra, from the United Arab Emirates, announced the signing of Samir, a center back developed in Flamengo’s youth academy.
View this photo on Instagram A post shared by فرسان الظفرة (@aldhafra.fc)
Through a post on social media this Friday (31), the Arab team announced the arrival of the former Flamengo player. “Al Dhafra Club welcomes the arrival of Brazilian defender Samir Caetano de Souza and wishes him success in his journey with the team.”
Samir arrives to wear the Al-Dhafra shirt after a spell at Al-Najmah, from Saudi Arabia, the club he had been playing for since August 2025. In addition, before playing in the Middle East, the center back spent time in Mexican football, where he represented Tigres and Mazatlán.
After standing out at Audax, Samir joined Flamengo in 2011 to be part of the under-20 team. In addition, the center back was promoted to the senior squad in 2013, winning one Copa do Brasil and one Carioca with the Sacred Mantle. Finally, in total, the 31-year-old defender made 86 appearances, with three goals and one assist.
Samir’s strong performances also caught the attention of European football. At the end of 2015, Rubro-Negro agreed to sell the center back to Udinese (ITA) for 4 million euros (around R$16 million at the exchange rate at the time).
Flamengo want to bring in three players to strengthen the squad in this transfer window. So far, the only name that has ‘leaked’ is Thiago Almada, former Botafogo player and an attacking midfielder for Atlético de Madrid (ESP). Rubro-Negro, in fact, are already in advanced talks with the Argentine.
In addition, the club’s board want to sign a winger and a center forward. The idea is to bring in a young player to rotate with Pedro in certain matches, since the No. 9 is an undisputed starter in Leonardo Jardim’s team.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.







































