Flamengo eyeing move for former Fluminense player in 2026, says journalist | OneFootball

Who is the former Fluminense player being scouted by Flamengo?

Flamengo continues to keep an eye on the transfer market in search of reinforcements for the 2026 season. Thus, the red-and-black board is preparing a 'plan B' in case the signing of Taty Castellanos falls through.

According to journalist Ekrem Konur, Flamengo is considering signing Kauã Elias, former Fluminense player and current striker for Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR). However, the Red-and-Black will only open talks for the player if they fail to secure the arrival of Taty Castellanos from Lazio (ITA).

Who is Kauã Elias?

Developed in Fluminense’s youth academy, Kauã Elias left the tricolor team in February 2025. At the time, Shakhtar Donetsk shelled out 17 million euros (R$ 101.87 million at the time) for the striker.

At just 19 years old, Kauã Elias played 29 matches in the 2025 season, including three games in the Campeonato Carioca. Thus, the young striker tallied 12 goals and four assists.

What is the situation between Flamengo and Taty Castellanos?

Lazio striker Taty Castellanos is back on Flamengo’s radar and, in fact, there have already been new talks with the Argentine player’s staff. However, the Red-and-Black will not have an ‘easy time’ convincing the Italian club.

In the 2025 season, Taty Castellanos scored seven goals and provided six assists in 29 matches. In that span, the Argentine striker needed, on average, 166 minutes on the field to directly participate in a goal.

Why does Flamengo want to sign a striker?

The center-forward position is one of Flamengo’s priorities for the 2026 season. After all, the red-and-black board has agreed to sell Juninho to Pumas (MEX). At the time, the Mexican team paid 5 million euros (about R$ 32 million) to Mengão.

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