The bond between former teammates Lucas Paqueta and Vinicius Junior remains unbreakable, and the current Flamengo midfielder has made no secret of his desire to see the Real Madrid superstar back at the Maracana. Following the latest instance of alleged racial abuse directed at Vinicius during last week's Champions League clash against Benfica, Paqueta has publicly offered his "total support" to his close friend. While the winger continues to battle prejudice in Europe, his former partner in crime believes the time is approaching for them to fulfil a long-standing pact to dominate South American football together once again.
The president of Flamengo has revealed his club's stance on re-signing Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior as speculation continues to surround the future of the Brazil international. The forward's contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expires next year and he looked unlikely to pen an extension during Xabi Alonso's brief spell in charge of Los Blancos. Now, Luiz Eduardo Baptista has admitted his side can't commit to a deal with Vinicius any time soon.
Flamengo’s sporting director has jokingly suggesting that Vinicius Junior is next on his transfer wishlist following the sensational return of Lucas Paqueta. During the playmaker’s official unveiling in Rio de Janeiro, the club chief could not resist a cheeky dig at Real Madrid regarding a future free transfer for their global superstar, hinting that the "project" to reunite the academy graduates is already on his mind.
Lucas Paqueta has claimed that two Premier League giants wanted him before he completed a switch from West Ham to Flamengo. The playmaker has been linked with a move back to his native Brazil for months now but it took until Friday for the £36.5 million ($50m) transfer to actually happen. But if two English sides had got their way, the 28-year-old may still be a Premier League player.
Lucas Paqueta has admitted that he "needed Flamengo" after completing his switch from West Ham. The Brazil international had expressed his desire to return to his native country ahead of this year's World Cup, and now he has sealed a £36 million ($50m) transfer to Flamengo. Now that this saga is over, the playmaker has made a candid admission about the switch.
West Ham star Lucas Paqueta has finally reached an agreement to return to former club Flamengo. The Brazilian is due to move on a transfer that will see him become the most expensive player in Brazilian Serie A history and will sign a five-year contract with Flamengo. Paqueta is due to travel later today, meaning he's already played his last game for West Ham.
Explore a detailed financial analysis of a minority buyout scenario for Flamengo. Discover revenue projections, EBITDA valuations, and potential IRR of up to 33%. By utilizing a comprehensive financial model, the analysis highlights how transforming the club into a professional business entity can yield significant returns for global investors.
West Ham are finally ready to sanction the permanent sale of Lucas Paqueta this month, but chiefs have attached a non-negotiable condition to the deal. While the Brazilian is desperate to join Flamengo immediately, the Hammers will only approve the transfer if the midfielder agrees to remain on loan at the London Stadium until the end of the season to aid their survival fight.
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has issued an update on wantaway midfielder Lucas Paqueta's future amid links with Flamengo. The Brazilian reportedly asked not to be selected for West Ham's FA Cup win over Queens Park Rangers last weekend in light of reports he is 'disillusioned' in east London. Ahead of their clash with Tottenham, manager Nuno has spoken about the player's situation.
Lucas Paqueta asked not to be selected by West Ham in their FA Cup clash with Queens Park Rangers and is reportedly pushing for a transfer away from the Premier League club. The Brazilian playmaker is said to still be feeling "disillusioned" after the spot-betting scandal that dominated two years of his life, and he is now ready to leave England and head home.
Santos president Marcelo Teixeira says he has a "positive expectation" that Neymar will extend his contract despite reported interest from Flamengo. The 33-year-old played a crucial role in keeping his boyhood club in the Brazilian top-flight and despite having a huge amount of affection for the Vila Belmiro side, the forward is unsure about his future as his contract ticks down.
Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Matvey Safonov fractured his hand during the Intercontinental Cup final penalty shootout but played through the pain to guide his side to victory. After ending extra-time with the game at 1-1, the French giants emerged victorious with a 2-1 shootout win as Safonov saved a remarkable four spot-kicks. Days on from that result, it appears he pulled off his heroics despite being injured.
Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain held their nerve to come through a penalty shootout to claim victory over Brazilian side Flamengo in the Intercontinental Cup final on Wednesday, with goalkeeper Matvei Safonov the hero as he saved four of five shots from the spot to help PSG outscore the Copa Libertadores winners 2-1 on penalties. The game had ended 1-1 in normal time after strikes from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Jorginho.
Santos' contract talks with Neymar are reportedly at an 'advanced' stage but rivals Flamengo could potentially hijack that deal. The 33-year-old is set to be out of contract at his boyhood club despite helping them maintain their status in the Brazilian top flight this season. As his current terms tick down, it seems Santos and Flamengo are in a battle to secure the forward's services for the 2026 campaign.
Atletico Madrid icon Saul Niguez has sparked controversy by claiming bitter rivals Real Madrid have "no fans" compared to his current club Flamengo. The midfielder, now playing under former teammate Filipe Luis in Brazil, launched a stinging attack on the Bernabeu atmosphere while praising the passion of the South American giants ahead of their clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
Former AC Milan defender Emerson Royal opened up about his difficult spell at the San Siro, revealing that the negative attention he received in Italy made him a more talked about figure than Cristiano Ronaldo. The lack of appreciation from supporters, combined with a lengthy spell on the sidelines, ultimately influenced his decision to leave Milan. However, the Brazilian admitted that he is now happy at Flamengo, where he has settled back into life in his home country and rediscovered his confidence.
Lucas Paqueta has detailed how the betting scandal that he became caught up in ultimately "strengthened his marriage" and delivered benefits off the field. The West Ham playmaker has also explained how he reacted to seeing a proposed transfer to Manchester City break down, while admitting to being approached by teams in his native Brazil across more recent windows.
Santos have launched an impassioned defence of Neymar after the Brazilian star came under fire for his behaviour in the wake of another damaging defeat. Neymar reacted angrily to being substituted during the 3-2 loss to Flamengo and also criticised the match referee after the game. His behaviour has brought a backlash from the Brazilian media, who have been left unimpressed by his efforts as Santos battle to avoid relegation.