Zico: No need for Flamengo to panic buy after sale of Gerson | OneFootball

Zico has warned Flamengo against rushing into buying a replacement for midfielder Gerson.

The 24-year-old is set to join French giants Marseille in July, with the clubs reportedly settling on a €20m deal (excluding bonuses) for the former Roma man.

With money to spend and a impending hole in their engine room, the Rubro-Negro have been linked with a move for Internacional’s Patrick Nascimento.

While Zico appreciates the 28-year-old’s abilities, he urged his former club to explore all options to cope with Gerson’s departure.

“I particularly like Patrick a lot too,” Zico said on his YouTube channel.

“I don’t know if he was playing at Inter in this role that Gerson does today at Flamengo, he’s playing a little further ahead, even on the left side.

“This opportunity for you to have a defender and [Willian] Arão returning to his position as well, since there is Diego who is very well there as one of the midfielders.

“I think Flamengo has several options. At a time like this, you can’t be desperate for hiring.”

Zico, who made over 250 appearances for the Mengão in two spells at his boyhood club, is currently technical director at J1 League side Kashima Antlers.