Flamengo’s €12m gamble: Carrascal lands to challenge Arrascaeta | OneFootball

Colombian midfielder Jorge Carrascal has arrived in Rio de Janeiro ahead of finalizing his move to Flamengo, marking the club’s fourth signing of the current transfer window, according to Lance. The 27-year-old flew in from Russia after a taxing 19-hour journey and will begin medical examinations on Thursday before meeting with Flamengo’s Technical Director José Boto at the club’s George Helal training ground. The official announcement is expected after contract signatures are complete.

The deal with Dynamo Moscow, Carrascal’s former club, proved complex and required several rounds of negotiation, with Flamengo ultimately agreeing to pay €12 million (roughly R$77.5 million at the current exchange rate). The transfer was enabled in part by Flamengo’s involvement in Dynamo’s separate negotiations with Atlético Mineiro. The Rio club agreed to redirect part of the transaction funds to Atlético, facilitating a resolution to lingering outstanding terms between the Russian and Brazilian sides.

Flamengo is aiming to present Carrascal to fans at Maracanã before the upcoming Copa do Brasil round of 16 match against Atlético Mineiro. Fellow new recruit Samuel Lino, whose deal was confirmed earlier this week, is also set to join the presentation at the stadium.

Carrascal enters a squad already strengthened this window by the additions of Saúl Ñíguez, Emerson Royal, and Lino. Upon signing, Carrascal is expected to compete directly with Arrascaeta for a place in Flamengo’s attacking midfield. The Colombian arrives with 19 caps and two goals for his national team, filling a long-identified gap in Flamengo’s lineup depth.

The midfielder’s recent statistics reflect his attacking influence: he’s averaged a goal involvement every 183 minutes in the current season, delivered 1.2 key passes per game, and created eight clear scoring chances. He also completes an average of 1.3 successful dribbles and wins 52% of his duels per match, numbers which underscore his capability to add another creative dimension.

Carrascal was greeted at the airport by a small group of Flamengo supporters, who sang in his honor and held banners celebrating the high-profile arrival. While security and club officials did not arrange formal press or fan engagement at the airport, the midfielder acknowledged the fans’ welcome before heading to the next stage of his onboarding.

Flamengo’s recent transfer activity, including Carrascal’s acquisition, reflects both strong financial footing and sustained ambitions to maintain competitiveness across a crowded fixture list. As the club prepares for another packed cycle encompassing Brasileirão, Copa do Brasil, and continental commitments, Carrascal’s signing is intended to reinforce Flamengo’s creative depth during one of the most loaded stretches of the season.

(Source: Lance)