Flamengo’s $27m question: will cash and kids conquer Bayern? | OneFootball

According to Globo and Lance, Flamengo have been one of the financial standouts among Brazilian clubs at the current Club World Cup, amassing $27.7 million (roughly R$153.1 million) in prize money so far—a figure that tops their countrymen Botafogo, Fluminense, and Palmeiras and places them inside the tournament's overall top ten earners, just behind European heavyweights such as Benfica and Juventus.

This financial boost reflects Flamengo’s effective performances through the group phase, where they finished first in Group D after three matches. The group campaign was marked by the emergence of 20-year-old Wallace Yan, whose two goals made him Flamengo’s leading scorer in the competition and further elevated his profile. Yan, signed permanently by Flamengo after an initial loan in 2022, has a release clause set at €50 million for foreign clubs (around R$274 million), underlining how highly the club values one of its brightest young talents. In domestic deals, his release clause is R$51 million, with Ferroviária still holding a 30% stake in the player.

Looking ahead, Flamengo face a significant challenge in the round of 16 against Bayern Munich. Defensive stalwart Danilo has advocated for a tactical shift to a three-centre-back system for the match, suggesting a lineup including himself, Léo Pereira, and Léo Ortiz might best address the threat posed by Bayern’s attack. While coach Filipe Luís has not confirmed his lineup or approach, he has previously stated that adapting to the opponent is key, and did not rule out using additional defenders when the situation demands. “It’s definitely a possibility I consider,” Filipe Luís noted earlier in the season, referencing the potential use of three centre-backs or even employing full-backs in the heart of defense, depending on the tactical requirements.

Danilo also highlighted the importance of speed as a tool for Flamengo’s backline, referencing his own historic pace stats—including a top speed of 37.1 km/h registered during his time at Juventus—as essential for keeping up with elite opposition forwards in a match of this magnitude.

Underpinning these tactical and individual developments is Flamengo’s broader strategic ambition. The club’s significant earnings from the competition not only underscore their sporting results, but also reflect a structure geared toward sustaining competitiveness both domestically and globally. With momentum from the group stage and a newfound attacking spark in Wallace Yan, Flamengo approach their clash with Bayern looking to fuse tactical flexibility with the energy brought by youth, all while holding a financially robust position within the expanding global landscape of club football.

Sources: Globo, Lance

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