BAP authorizes the departure of another Flamengo player

Flamengo is going through a busy transfer window, marked by contrasting decisions. While negotiating departures and evaluating reinforcements, the board is trying to balance planning and fan reaction. After all, three recent moves — the sale of Victor Hugo, the withdrawal of Mikey Johnston and the transfer of Gerson — sum up the red-and-black moment.

Previously used in the rotation of the squad, Victor Hugo, who came through the youth ranks, has played 80 professional matches. The 20-year-old midfielder has agreed to join Famalicão without any costs. According to the agreed model, Flamengo will keep 50% of his economic rights, and the contract in Portugal will be for three seasons.

Currently, the operation only depends on the final signature of the athlete's representatives. On the other hand, the management sees the transfer as an opportunity for appreciation, even if it may point out a lack in the squad in the medium term.

Flamengo's shield (Photo: Disclosure/ Flamengo)

Meanwhile, the club have backtracked on the signing of Irish striker Mikey Johnston. A backlash from fans, as well as internal pressure, led to the cancellation of the flight that was due to bring him to Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday (July 8). The Football Commission has raised concerns about the £5m cost and injury history, despite the player having made 41 appearances and scored three goals for West Bromwich last season.

Equally relevant, Gerson said goodbye to the squad after Zenit paid 25 million euros up front — around R$160 million — on Monday (July 7), at 1:54 pm (Brasília time). The midfielder, who did not participate in the return, organized a themed party on Saturday (July 5), in Barra da Tijuca, with the presence of several teammates.

In his two spells at Flamengo, the "Joker" played 253 matches, scored 19 goals and lifted 12 titles, including the Libertadores (2019) and Copa do Brasil (2024). Unequivocally, the technical loss is considerable; however, the amounts ease the payroll and open space for new searches in the mid-year window.

As a result, Flamengo enters the second week of July trying to fill gaps, contain political pressure and still maintain performance on the field. Unless there are any setbacks, Victor Hugo should travel in the next few days, while the football management analyzes other targets, so that the group has enough players for the rest of the competitions. However, the atmosphere behind the scenes remains tense, as part of the fans expect significant replacements, and not just specific adjustments so that the Rubro-Negro remains competitive in 2025.