Flamengo’s transfer gamble pays off—record signings, internal drama eased | OneFootball

Flamengo’s transfer window has taken a sharp turn toward major investment and big-name signings from Europe, a shift that has eased internal pressure on football director José Boto, according to Globo and Lance.

Club president Bap recently blocked a move for a lower-profile European player at the last minute, triggering frustration within Flamengo’s hierarchy. Boto, who oversees recruitment, even considered resignation after the veto. Tension rose in corridors at Gávea with calls for Boto’s dismissal, but following direct conversations and reassurances from Bap—who insisted, “Everything is under control, nothing will change”—the club's approach quickly evolved.

Rather than scaling back, Flamengo nearly doubled their planned transfer outlay. After initially budgeting €25 million (R$162.5 million) for players’ economic rights in 2024, actual spending has already surpassed R$300 million. The most substantial moves include Samuel Lino for €22 million (approximately R$143 million)—now their record signing—along with Emerson Royal (R$58.5 million) and Juninho (R$34.2 million). Negotiations are close for Jorge Carrascal from Dynamo Moscow, a deal set to reach R$78 million. Arrivals on free transfers—like Saúl Ñíguez, Danilo, Alex Sandro, and Jorginho—do not factor directly into this transfer expenditure, as their fees are included in salary structures.

This spending push is made sustainable by healthy transfer income. With Alcaraz, Gerson, and Wesley departing, Flamengo has already secured €65 million (R$422.5 million) in sales—well above the R$227.5 million initially forecast.

Speaking to Lance, ESPN pundits Leonardo Bertozzi and Paulo Calçade analyzed the new recruits. Bertozzi noted that Lino offers versatility but must adapt to the team’s system, while Emerson Royal’s physical profile makes him a straightforward replacement for Wesley at right-back. Saúl Ñíguez, meanwhile, brings Champions League experience, but both pundits suggest expectations should be tempered after recent inconsistent years in Europe. Paulo Calçade highlighted that familiarity between Saúl and Filipe Luís from their time at Atlético Madrid could smooth Saúl’s transition, especially given the shared tactical background.

Both analysts agree the transfer blitz sends a clear signal to the domestic competition: Flamengo is committed to spending and determined to stay ahead. “Flamengo is giving the message that they can invest heavily and are strong contenders in any competition,” Bertozzi observed. Calçade added that Flamengo’s recent sales have enabled the club to “compete at a very high level when we look at Brazilian football.”

José Boto, central to this acceleration in recruitment, has also made inquiries for centre-forwards in this window, targeting figures such as Taty Castellanos of Lazio and Lucas Beltrán of Fiorentina, though neither deal materialized.

After closing the Samuel Lino deal, Flamengo’s activity in the window is expected to slow, though the club remains alert to further opportunities. The rapid escalation in ambition and spending has not only transformed the squad but stabilized relationships at management level, with Boto’s standing notably improved after a turbulent few weeks.

(Sources: Globo, Lance)