Flamengo's bold gamble after double midfield blow | OneFootball

According to Globo, Flamengo are navigating a pivotal transfer window marked by notable midfield departures and injury setbacks—but, in a surprising move, the club has no immediate plans to strengthen its midfield despite these losses.

Gerson, who had been attracting interest since the opening transfer window of this season, is officially leaving for Zenit Saint Petersburg. The Russian club matched his €25 million release clause in a lump sum payment this week, clearing the way for the midfielder’s move. Gerson had agreed to Zenith's proposal before Flamengo's trip to the United States and only waited until after the Club World Cup to advance negotiations. He is expected to travel to Russia in the coming days.

While Gerson’s departure closes one chapter, another setback has emerged: Erick Pulgar suffered a fracture in his right foot during the Club World Cup. The injury, sustained in a collision with Harry Kane, is similar to a previous metatarsal issue that sidelined Pulgar for two months last year. Flamengo’s medical staff are now considering whether surgery is needed, but the Chilean midfielder will be unavailable for several months regardless of the chosen course.

Despite the double blow to their midfield ranks, Flamengo’s management is not preparing to enter the transfer market for replacements in this sector. The rationale is twofold: first, manager Filipe Luís had not been using Gerson as a central midfielder, reducing the perceived need to replace him for that role; second, the club recently secured the signing of midfielder Jorginho, specifically for the Club World Cup and upcoming contests.

At this point, Flamengo’s transfer strategy hinges on internal resources and recent additions rather than emergency moves. The club is confident that the existing squad depth can absorb the combined absences and sustain performance levels through the domestic and continental run-in.

As the squad regroups following their Club World Cup exit and transitions back to domestic competition, all eyes will be on how Flamengo recalibrate both tactically and mentally without two of their most prominent midfielders.

(Source: Globo)

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