Did Flamengo bid for Martín Ojeda? Coluna do Fla investigates | OneFootball

Coluna do Fla looked into the alleged interest from Flamengo in the Orlando City (USA) midfielder

Flamengo remains alert to market opportunities. Amid that, the name of Martín Ojeda, a midfielder for Orlando City (USA), emerged as being linked with Rubro-Negro. But did the Rio club actually make an offer for the player? We checked!

According to reporting by journalist Léo José, a reporter for Coluna do Fla, in contact with sources connected to Flamengo, the club has not made any offer for Martín Ojeda. In addition, behind-the-scenes information indicates that the club has no interest in signing the player at this time.

The football department’s planning remains focused on other priorities, keeping the monitoring only as part of its routine analysis. Therefore, there are currently no negotiations underway with the American team.

WHO IS MARTÍN OJEDA?

Martín Ojeda began his journey with Orlando City in January 2023, with a contract currently running until June 2029. Before his spell in U.S. soccer, the midfielder had already built up experience in Argentina.

His professional career includes spells with Racing (ARG) (2018-2019), Huracán (ARG) (2020), and Godoy Cruz (ARG) (2020-2023). The Argentine midfielder established himself as one of the standout players in creating scoring chances during Major League Soccer (MLS).

Looking at the numbers for the current 2026 season, the 27-year-old player has 11 goals in 18 matches played. These statistics take into account matches in Major League Soccer and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the traditional U.S. cup competition.

DOES FLAMENGO NEED A CREATIVE MIDFIELDER?

Flamengo has Arrascaeta as a key piece in the tactical structure of the midfield. At the moment, the player is recovering from a grade 2 muscle injury in his right calf.

At 31 years old, the match schedule requires special care with Arrascaeta’s physical workload. Given this reality, Flamengo’s board sought the signing of Jorge Carrascal in mid-2025, during the period when coach Filipe Luís was in charge.

The dynamic of the Rubro-Negro team, however, underwent significant changes with the arrival of Leonardo Jardim in March 2026. The new playing philosophy implemented by the Portuguese coach brought different priorities for the creative department.

Coach Leonardo Jardim, in fact, does not see Carrascal as the ideal replacement for the role of central playmaker, preferring to use the Colombian in wider positions on the flanks. Therefore, the search for a new midfield option has become an internally identified need.

WHAT PROFILE DOES LEONARDO JARDIM WANT?

The coach is looking for an intermediate profile for the creative sector, aiming to balance roles on the pitch. Paquetá, for example, is not seen as the player envisioned to operate as a central creator.

According to the view of the coaching staff led by the Portuguese manager, the number 20 performs better when playing as the second midfielder. Meanwhile, Flamengo’s board continues to monitor the transfer market, ensuring that any investment decision comes with a thorough analysis of how the player fits into the current playing philosophy.

WHAT DID JOSÉ BOTO SAY ABOUT FLAMENGO’S ACTIVITY IN THE TRANSFER MARKET?

Flamengo football director José Boto adopted a cautious tone regarding the transfer market. In an interview with FlamengoTV, the executive made it clear that the club does not intend to repeat the investments of the last transfer windows. The next transfer window will take place between July 20 and September 11, 2026.

“The window only opens on the 19th. The last two were periods of heavy spending, Flamengo does not have infinite money. On the other hand, they say we have the best squad in the Americas, we can’t bring in seven or eight players every window,” said José Boto.

In addition, Flamengo’s board believes that movement in the international market will only really pick up after the end of the World Cup. That is because this is the moment when European and South American clubs will begin to define their priorities for the season.

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