Flamengo in turmoil after transfer veto | OneFootball

Flamengo’s internal balance has been tested in recent weeks, as the fallout from a scrapped transfer and simmering tensions have raised questions about the club’s management, according to Globo and Lance.

The recent collapse of Mikey Johnston’s proposed move from West Bromwich Albion exposed deep-seated friction within the club’s executive structure. The deal for the Irish winger, valued at around R$37 million, had advanced through medical clearance and received coach Filipe Luís’s approval. However, after vocal disapproval from sections of the Flamengo fanbase and dissent among senior decision-makers, club president Luiz Eduardo Baptista—known as Bap—stepped in to veto the transfer just before Johnston was due to arrive in Rio. Although medical concerns were cited publicly, sources indicated that internal criticism regarding both the cost and similarity to prior disappointing deals played a decisive role.

This episode echoed previous interventions by Flamengo’s leadership, with board-level reversals on contract renewals and signings, most notably the abandoned pursuit of Andreas Pereira and the Gabigol renewal situation in years past. Such practices highlight persistent political considerations and strategic disagreements at the heart of Flamengo’s football operation.

Director of football José Boto, less than seven months into the role, has borne the brunt of growing dissatisfaction. His approach to squad management and negotiations has proved divisive. Critics inside the club have pointed to contentious outgoing transfers—such as reduced release clauses for Gerson and Erick Pulgar, and the proposal to release Victor Hugo at no cost—as evidence of a lack of prudence in balancing short-term gains with Flamengo’s long-term interests. Squad harmony has also been affected: Arrascaeta’s recent social media activity was widely interpreted as criticism of Boto, and key figures have voiced discontent over delayed contract talks with striker Pedro during his recovery from injury.

Further exacerbating the situation are concerns over Boto’s handling of the youth system. His decision to part ways with the under-20 coach shortly after a Libertadores victory, followed by the quick replacement (and subsequent exit) of Nuno Campos, has fueled uncertainty over the department’s direction and Boto’s wider strategy.

Financial aspects have not been immune from scrutiny. Boto’s compensation package, reportedly R$240,000 higher monthly than coach Filipe Luís’s, as well as provisions for accommodation and security, have attracted criticism within Flamengo’s political factions. These factors, combined with public scrutiny and ongoing staff debates, have eroded some of the initial confidence in Boto’s leadership.

Despite these challenges, Bap reaffirmed support for his director, stating, “Everything is under control, nothing will change.” Conversations between Bap and Boto have sought to resolve differences following the Johnston affair, with the club president considering recent disagreements as isolated incidents rather than systemic issues.

As Flamengo prepares for a busy transfer window, the spotlight will remain as much on the boardroom as on the pitch, with the club’s ability to maintain unity and direction facing its sternest test under this administration.

(Sources: Globo, Lance)

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