Boto on Flamengo transfers, Gyökeres linked: “If I wanted him…” | OneFootball

Football Director explains intelligence to adapt to cultural differences when hiring

Flamengo's football director, José Boto, stated on Monday (15) that Brazilian football is not prepared for hiring unknown players. The director compares what Sporting (POR) did when discovering striker Viktor Gyökeres with Flamengo's attempt to announce Mikey Johnston, from the English second division.

— Sporting sold Gyökeres this year for 70 million euros. If I wanted to bring him to Flamengo, I think nobody would say anything. But when Sporting, who paid 20 million euros for him in the English second league, I think it was impossible here because of the reaction I saw with a signing that cost 5 million. So we also have to have intelligence to adapt to what are the cultural differences and of their own fans —, Boto pointed out, in an interview with 'UOL', to add that:

— If Juninho had scored 20 goals, maybe we would have brought Mikey Johnston without much problem. But obviously in a club like Flamengo, with the size of Flamengo, I think it is necessary to make a mixed market among players. Those who are really impressive names and players who, not being these names, will add to the team and will give even more years of sports or even financial performance —, the director affirmed.

What happened with Boto and Mikey Johnston?

Flamengo had agreed to sign Michael Johnston, from West Bromwich Albion (ENG), for 5 million pounds (R$ 37 million). The athlete already had a ticket purchased to arrive in Rio de Janeiro.

However, the red-black board decided to cancel the deal, citing physical problems. However, the investigation by Coluna do Fla revealed that the real reason also went through the popular pressure of Flamengo's fans.

The club stopped negotiations with Michael Johnston's representatives and West Bromwich due to the negative repercussion and public opinion about the athlete. Thus, Flamengo ended the talks once and for all.

Who came instead?

Mikey did not land in Rio de Janeiro. So, Flamengo announced Samuel Lino, Jorge Carrascal and Saúl Ñíguez. However, Flamengo brought other players in the transfer window at the beginning of the year.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.