Cruzeiro vice-president explains plan to see off Flamengo in Kaio Jorge talks | OneFootball

Cruzeiro vice-president Pedro Junio has outlined how the club saw off Flamengo’s push for Kaio Jorge, keeping the striker in Belo Horizonte.

"The conversation with Kaio Jorge was very calm. He did receive a proposal from Flamengo, but we showed him a project here where he could develop, get closer to the national team, and where he was happy and already adapted," he told ESPN.

"We brought him from Italy, looked after him and prepared him for the high level he showed at the end of last year and has kept in 2026."

"We sat down, organised ourselves and made an offer to extend his contract with a salary increase. He accepted because he believes in the project, he likes being here and he is happy."

Flamengo made their first official approach on eight January. Two bids that included forward Everton Cebolinha were rejected, then a €30 million, R$188 million at current rates, offer was also turned down as Cruzeiro renewed Kaio’s deal until 2030.

Flamengo still view the attack as a priority for the next window, and want a centre-forward to rotate with Pedro, their number nine.

For now, Flamengo focus on the Libertadores. They face Estudiantes (ARG) at 21:30 Brasília time on Wednesday 29 at Estádio Jorge Luis Hirschi in the third round.

Source: Coluna Do Fla