Boto on Flamengo transfers: Gyökeres only if I wanted him | OneFootball

Football Director Explains Intelligence Needed to Adapt to Cultural Differences When Signing Players

Flamengo’s football director, José Boto, stated on Monday (15th) that Brazilian football is not prepared for the signing of unknown players. The executive compared what Sporting (POR) did when they discovered striker Viktor Gyökeres with Flamengo’s attempt to sign Mikey Johnston from the English second division.

— Sporting sold Gyökeres this year for 70 million euros. If I wanted to bring him to Flamengo, I don’t think anyone would say anything. But when Sporting, who paid 20 million euros for him in the English second division, did it, I think that would have been impossible here, judging by the reaction I saw to a signing that cost 5 million. So we also need to be smart in adapting to the cultural differences and the expectations of our own fans — Boto pointed out in an interview with ‘UOL’, adding that:

— If Juninho had scored 20 goals, maybe we would have brought Mikey Johnston without much trouble. But obviously, at a club like Flamengo, with the size of Flamengo, I think it’s necessary to have a mixed market between players. Those who are really impressive names and players who, even if they aren’t big names, will add to the team and provide even more years of sporting or even financial return — said the director.

What Happened with Boto and Mikey Johnston?

Flamengo had agreed to sign Michael Johnston from West Bromwich Albion (ENG) for 5 million pounds (R$ 37 million). The player already had his ticket booked to arrive in Rio de Janeiro.

However, the club’s management decided to cancel the deal, citing physical issues. Nevertheless, an investigation by Coluna do Fla revealed that the real reason was also due to public pressure from Flamengo’s fanbase.

The club broke off negotiations with Michael Johnston’s representatives and with West Bromwich due to the negative reaction and public opinion about the player. Thus, Flamengo ended the talks for good.

Who Came Instead?

Mikey did not land in Rio de Janeiro. So, Flamengo announced Samuel Lino, Jorge Carrascal, and Saúl Ñíguez. Flamengo, however, brought in other players during the transfer window at the start of the year.

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