Flamengo eye big-name striker as transfer hunt intensifies | OneFootball

Flamengo are preparing to remain active in the transfer market this window, with further investment likely following their recent deals, according to Globo. The club has already committed around €43 million for the arrivals of Emerson Royal, Carrascal, and Samuel Lino, with Spanish midfielder Saul joining at no transfer fee but drawing signing bonuses and agent fees.

Thanks to gains from recent player sales and FIFA prize money from the Club World Cup, Flamengo's spending capacity has increased compared to earlier projections. Payments for their marquee arrivals are to be made in installments, which preserves additional budget flexibility in the coming weeks. Internally, decision-makers admit Flamengo could allocate up to another €15 million, with attacking reinforcements clearly on the agenda.

The search for a new centre-forward has intensified, with Fiorentina’s Lucas Beltrán emerging as the preferred target. However, neither formal offer has been lodged nor has Beltrán—or his family—shown strong interest in leaving Europe at this stage. Flamengo previously made overtures for Lazio’s Taty Castellanos, but deemed the asking price more than they were willing to pay. The underlying goal is to bring in a striker with different traits than Pedro; Juninho, who arrived in January, has yet to convincingly stake a claim under Filipe Luís.

Attention isn’t solely on the attack. The club has also been weighing up recruitment at centre-back. While not treated as an urgent need, there are concerns about depth, particularly as Danilo’s injury has left only youngsters João Victor and Cleiton in reserve. Filipe Luís recently explained his reluctance to rotate in the position, citing the demands posed by experienced opposition forwards and the relative inexperience of the club’s youth options. As he put it, “I didn’t think it would be fair with the boys to put them in for this game. The centre-back role is always delicate, especially against an attack like Hulk, Rony, and Cuello.”

The club’s hierarchy is also exploring potential departures in order to create space in the squad. Matheus Gonçalves, Michael, and Everton Cebolinha are among those understood to be the subject of interest from other teams.

With the transfer window open until September 2, Flamengo’s leadership will continue to assess both incoming and outgoing moves as they look to maintain momentum across multiple competitions. The market is expected to remain fluid, with decisions hinging on player availability, medical updates, and the evolving needs of the squad. (Source: Globo)

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