Flamengo break the bank for record signing | OneFootball

Flamengo have finalized the signing of forward Samuel Lino from Atlético de Madrid for €22 million—establishing a new club transfer record, according to UOL and Globo. The fee eclipses the previous benchmark held by Carlos Alcaraz, brought in earlier this year for €20 million. The deal for Lino includes performance-related bonuses and underlines Flamengo's significant shift in transfer strategy during the current window.

Lino, who is 24, arrives after a European campaign with Atlético de Madrid in which he made 47 appearances, scoring four times and supplying eight assists. He previously played for Gil Vicente in Portugal and had a stint at Valencia, following a formative spell at São Bernardo before his move abroad. Flamengo’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements also included attempts to sign centre forwards like Taty Castellanos and Lucas Beltrán, although neither deal materialized, as reported by Globo.

The club's approach to transfers this year has evolved rapidly after internal disagreements earlier in the window led to friction at management level. An initial transfer budget of €25 million (R$162.5 million) was almost doubled, with total spending on players' economic rights already surpassing R$300 million. In addition to Lino, major outlays went to Emerson Royal (R$58.5 million) and Juninho (R$34.2 million), while negotiations are continuing for Dynamo Moscow’s Jorge Carrascal in a deal worth up to R$78 million.

This spending has been supported by significant outgoing sales. Flamengo have already banked over €65 million (R$422.5 million) from the departures of Alcaraz, Gerson, and Wesley—well ahead of this year’s internal projections. Free signings such as Saúl Ñíguez, Danilo, Alex Sandro, and Jorginho also join the squad, though their financial impact is reflected in salary budgets instead of direct transfer fees.

Pundit reaction in Lance and ESPN has pointed to Lino's versatility across attacking positions, though there is consensus that he will need to quickly adapt to head coach Filipe Luís’ system. Emerson Royal is seen as a direct replacement for Wesley at right back, while Saúl Ñíguez is expected to gradually integrate into midfield, drawing on his European experience despite inconsistent recent seasons.

Flamengo currently sit second in the Brasileirão as they prepare for a key run of fixtures. While the medical department remains busy—managing the absences of Nicolás De la Cruz and several long-term injuries—Lino is expected to inject fresh impetus into the team’s title ambitions. The club’s bold transfer activity has not only reinforced the squad but also helped stabilize internal dynamics, ensuring sporting director José Boto’s position after a turbulent period.

(Sources: UOL, Globo, Lance)