Why Flamengo let Gerson go for €25m | OneFootball

According to Globo, Gerson’s departure from Flamengo to Zenit Saint Petersburg has become one of the most significant transfer deals in the club’s history. The Russian side activated the midfielder’s release clause, paying €25 million (around R$160 million) in a single payment, which ranks as the fourth largest sale ever made by Flamengo.

The club’s decision to set the release clause at €25 million came after Gerson signed a contract extension in April this year, which also included a salary increase and an agreement to lower his buy-out fee from the previous €200 million. Flamengo’s management had anticipated Zenit's interest, ensuring that the only condition for his exit was the full and prompt payment of the release clause.

Notably, this is Gerson’s second high-profile sale from Flamengo; his earlier transfer to Olympique de Marseille in 2021 was previously among the club's top five outbound deals. The latest transfer further cements Gerson’s status as both a key performer and a valuable financial asset in Flamengo’s recent history.

The context around Gerson’s move highlights Flamengo’s negotiating stance. The club opted not to engage in direct negotiations, simply insisting that Zenit meet the set buy-out figure. Zenit conducted their discussions directly with Gerson, with the player now due to travel to Russia in the coming days.

This latest business ranks behind only three transfers in the club’s history: Vinícius Júnior’s move to Real Madrid (€45 million), Lucas Paquetá’s transfer to Milan (€35 million), and Reinier’s sale to Real Madrid (€30 million).

Gerson’s exit coincides with a complicated period for Flamengo’s midfield. According to Globo, the club is also managing the loss of Erick Pulgar, who suffered a fractured foot during the Club World Cup and is expected to miss several months. Despite losing two central figures, Flamengo is not planning an immediate move in the transfer market, banking instead on recent signings and internal squad depth.

Gerson played his last matches for Flamengo as speculation about his future swirled, only finalizing his move after the club’s Club World Cup campaign. The transfer fee and method—insisting on the full release clause—underscore Flamengo’s commitment to securing maximum value from its top assets, even as they confront pressing sporting challenges on the pitch.

(Sources: Globo)

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