Kaio Jorge rebuffed by Cruzeiro, Flamengo not planning another striker this window | OneFootball

Flamengo have paused their search for a new centre-forward after Cruzeiro rejected multiple bids for Kaio Jorge. According to Globo.com, the Rio club made more than one proposal, all turned down.

The push for Kaio reflected Filipe Luís’s view that the forward would suit his squad, the coach even contacted the player, but Cruzeiro refused to engage. Kaio offers different attributes to Pedro, giving scope to vary the approach.

Marcos Leonardo of Al-Hilal was considered, yet talks did not begin with his camp or the Saudi club. The fee would be very high for a striker with a profile similar to Pedro.

Flamengo judge that no other target merits the outlay and they are not desperate for a centre-forward, with Pedro fit to start the season and others able to play centrally. They would act only if an opportunity emerged, which they do not see now.

The club are focusing efforts on Lucas Paquetá. If successful, that deal would demand a significant investment and would likely close their first window.

Initial priorities were a goalkeeper and a centre-back, met with Andrew from Gil Vicente in Portugal and Vitão from Internacional. The plan had been three or four reinforcements this window, and Paquetá would be the third arrival at the start of 2026.

Further moves could come only to replace departures. That may be in attack but not necessarily a centre-forward. Santos are negotiating for Michael, while Red Bull Bragantino have agreed to buy Wallace Yan, players who fell out of favour under Filipe Luís late in 2025.

Source: Globo.com