Ex-Liverpool star on Flamengo’s chances v European sides: “My view…” | OneFootball

Fabinho was at Liverpool (ENG) in 2019, but did not face Flamengo in the Club World Cup, as he was recovering from an injury

The Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, currently with Al-Ittihad (KSA), analyzed the transfer market movements and shared his thoughts on the disparity between European and South American teams. This Tuesday (19), the player highlighted Flamengo as the Brazilian club that comes closest to the European standard.

“Europe is still well ahead of Brazilian football. But a team that has the ability, in my opinion, to face the big European clubs is Flamengo. The team is very good and has even made big-money signings like Samuel Lino and Emerson Royal. Flamengo makes signings like a big European club and I think they could compete, but even so, they would still have difficulties facing the top European teams,” said Fabinho in an interview with Transfermarkt.

Old acquaintances?

Although he was with Liverpool (ENG) from 2018 to 2023, Fabinho did not play in the Club World Cup final against Flamengo in 2019 due to an ankle injury. However, the Champions League winner with the ‘Reds’ revealed that the English team was surprised by the quality of the “Mais Querido.”

Would there be a spot for him at Mengão?

The 31-year-old midfielder, who came up through the youth ranks at Fluminense, has been at Al-Ittihad since 2023, with a contract until mid-2026. However, Fabinho does not rule out a possible return to Brazilian football, but says he prefers not to make any decisions at the moment. He does note, however, that the transfer window closes on September 2.

“The Brazilian Championship is getting stronger and stronger. The investment is much higher. It’s a league that is becoming more and more attractive […] I am happy at Al Ittihad. I really like it here. Three years go by very fast. When you blink, it’s gone. A lot of things will come up and I’m in no hurry. I don’t want to decide anything now. Let’s see with time,” Fabinho emphasized.

Who are Flamengo’s midfielders?

Currently, coach Filipe Luís has the options of Evertton Araújo, Allan, Jorginho, and Saúl Ñíguez for the midfield position. The Chilean Erick Pulgar, who is recovering from surgery on his right foot, completes the group and has a contract until the end of 2027.

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