Flamengo freeze on £5m winger deal after fan uproar | OneFootball

Flamengo’s pursuit of Irish winger Mikey Johnston has hit a sudden roadblock following intense internal and fan backlash, according to Globo. Although a deal with West Bromwich Albion and the player’s representatives had been essentially finalized—valued at £5 million (around R$37 million) with additional bonuses—the club’s leadership is now reconsidering the move under significant pressure from influential voices within its ranks.

The 26-year-old, who was expected in Rio de Janeiro early this week, remained unaware of Flamengo’s apparent change of heart as of Sunday. Johnston was set to become Flamengo’s first reinforcement of the transfer window, which opens July 10, with the club aiming to add a dribbler capable of unsettling deep-lying defences.

Initial fan reaction on social media quickly shifted the tone of negotiations. Questions over the fee, Johnston’s suitability, and recent failures in similar gambles—citing the underwhelming impact of Juninho—were echoed internally among Flamengo’s management, including senior directors and council members. The situation led influential figures at both the club’s Gávea headquarters and the Ninho do Urubu training centre to challenge club president Bap and reconsider the proposed signing.

This episode marks the first major public test for the club’s new football director, José Boto. The move for Johnston was identified as one to bolster the squad depth, giving manager Filipe Luís a new reserve option on the wing. Flamengo already have Michael, Everton Cebolinha, Luiz Araújo, and Gonzalo Plata for these roles, adding to the feeling that Johnston would not be a primary starter.

Part of Flamengo’s justification for their hesitation revolves around Johnston’s injury history, though his last notable absence was with an ankle injury in March 2022, according to Transfermarkt. The Irish international featured in 41 matches (25 starts) last season for West Bromwich, contributing three goals and five assists. Prior to his spell in England, he had stints with Celtic and Vitória de Guimarães and has experience at the international level despite being born in Scotland.

Rather than pushing through with the deal amid negative sentiment, Flamengo are now reassessing their strategy for the window, intent on signing a winger with pace and the ability to break down compact defenses. The club’s search continues for an attacking profile who could more clearly enhance the first team and appease both decision-makers and supporters.

(Source: Globo)

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