Flamengo’s Strategic Moves: José Boto Reveals Plans for Midfield Reinforcement
In a recent press conference at Maracanã, Flamengo’s football technical director, José Boto, shed light on the club’s strategic moves in the transfer market. With the signings of striker Juninho and defender Danilo already secured,the Red-Black is now focusing on reinforcing its midfield. Boto revealed that the club is in advanced negotiations for a key player, referred to as “steering wheel X,” who has now been identified as Jorginho from Arsenal.
“The priority was a defender and an attacker. Then what comes is something to add and raise the level a lot.And the steering wheel ‘x’ can really come, that we have well defined.If it is not the steering wheel ‘x’, no one else comes,” Boto stated during the presentation of Danilo, just before Flamengo’s 2-0 victory over Sampaio Corrêa in the Carioca Championship.
Negotiation Details: Jorginho’s Potential Arrival
José Boto has been personally leading the negotiations with Jorginho’s representatives. While coach Filipe Luís was finalizing preparations for the match against Sampaio Corrêa, Boto was busy advancing talks with the Arsenal midfielder’s team. Flamengo and Jorginho have reportedly reached an agreement on contract terms and salaries. However, the player remains under contract with Arsenal until June, and his representatives are now working to secure an early release from the English club.
The current transfer window closes on february 28, giving Flamengo a tight deadline to register Jorginho for the first half of the season. If Arsenal does not agree to release him early, the Brazilian side will have to wait until the next transfer windows, which open from June 2 to 10 and July 10 to September 2.
Current Midfield options
While the arrival of Jorginho remains uncertain, Flamengo currently has three midfielders available: Chilean international Erick Pulgar,academy product Evertton Araújo,and Allan,who has been impressing coach Filipe Luís. However, the club is keen to add another midfielder due to the uncertainty surrounding Pulgar’s future,as his contract is set to expire at the end of the year.
| Player | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Erick Pulgar | Midfielder | Contract expiring in 2025 |
| Evertton Araújo | Midfielder | Academy product |
| Allan | Midfielder | Impressing coach |
As Flamengo continues its pursuit of Jorginho, fans eagerly await the outcome of these negotiations, which could substantially bolster the team’s midfield ahead of a crucial season.
