Evertton Araújo follows Flamengo plan and takes his chance after Grêmio interest | OneFootball

Four months after being on Grêmio’s radar, Evertton Araújo has become a mainstay for Flamengo under Leonardo Jardim. Flamengo visit Porto Alegre to face Grêmio in the Brasileirão on Sunday at 19:30 Brasília time.

According to Globo.com, Grêmio contacted the player’s representatives in December and formalised interest with Flamengo. The Rio club did not advance talks, first focused on Filipe Luís’s situation, then prioritising a plan for more minutes in 2026.

Since Jardim’s arrival, Evertton has only been unused against Fluminense in the Carioca final, Cruzeiro and Remo, plus the suspended Bragantino fixture. With him on the pitch, Flamengo have yet to be beaten.

He capitalised on early-season openings, returning ahead of schedule in strong condition. At that time Jorginho and De la Cruz lacked rhythm, Pulgar fluctuated, Saúl was recovering from surgery and Allan was set to depart. Filipe Luís later told him he had been unfair in some selection calls given the pressure of his introductions.

When the squad was fully fit he dropped back in the queue, then injuries to rivals reopened the door. His emergence has given Jardim a selection dilemma. With Pulgar nearing a return, the coach must decide who holds the starting role.

A Volta Redonda academy product, Evertton left in 2015 and had unsuccessful spells on trial at Botafogo and Cruzeiro before returning to Volta Redonda. He impressed at the 2022 Copa São Paulo, joined Flamengo on loan, then signed permanently the next season. His contract runs to December 2028.

Source: Globo.com