Leonardo Jardim says he tried to sign Luiz Araújo and Matheus Gonçalves for Cruzeiro | OneFootball

Leonardo Jardim, speaking on Thursday after taking charge at Flamengo, said he had attempted to sign Luiz Araújo and Matheus Gonçalves for Cruzeiro in 2025. According to Coluna Do Fla, he discussed the failed moves at a press conference following his appointment.

He said he did not want to replace Matheus Pereira with Araújo because they are different types of player, yet Cruzeiro still tried to bring Araújo in. Flamengo refused permission, and the same applied to Matheus Gonçalves, with Jardim noting his squad lacked that technical profile.

The pursuit of Araújo became public in February 2025, when Flamengo ruled out negotiating a player it considered important. The number seven featured regularly under Filipe Luís, though he was never a guaranteed starter.

Gonçalves also saw minutes under the previous coach, but Flamengo sold him in August last year to Al-Ahli (SAU) for R$ 50 million.

Jardim will now work with Araújo at Flamengo. The forward has played six matches in 2026, totalling 257 minutes and one goal, while competing on the right with Gonzalo Plata.

Source: Coluna Do Fla