Check out 5 reinforcement options for Flamengo's attack

On Monday morning (7), Flamengo confirmed that it had decided not to sign Mikey Johnston. The 26-year-old Irish player failed a medical and was considered a risk to the club's budget. The amount involved was around £5 million (around R$37 million). Now, the board is speeding up the search for a winger who combines technical performance, a safe medical situation and an adequate cost to strengthen the team during this transfer window.

Check out some name suggestions for the red-black attack.

1. Facundo Colidio (River Plate - Argentina)

The young Argentine striker has been a hit with River Plate's nets: he has scored 14 goals in 50 official games for the club since arriving in 2023. He prefers to play on the wings or as a second striker, with good positioning and intensity. The value of his release clause — around US$25 million — could fall in negotiations, especially with direct mediation between South American clubs. His profile fits Flamengo's project of betting on young players with room for appreciation.

2. Ramón Sosa (Nottingham Forest - Paraguay/ENG)

Discovered in Argentina, Sosa stood out in 2024 as SofaScore's top dribbler in the league, before being sold to English football. Versatile, he can play on both wings with constant acceleration and change of pace. With a long contract with Nottingham Forest, a negotiation would involve an international transfer, but he has the potential to fit in tactically immediately. Despite negotiations with Palmeiras , he would be a good bet.

3. Noah Okafor (25 years old, Milan/Napoli - Switzerland)

The Swiss player was approached by Flamengo in June, with an offer of around €15 million. The interest has already been confirmed by ESPN, and the club is trying to reduce the value of the deal. Despite an inconsistent season (4 games without goals against Napoli and a history of injuries), Okafor offers speed, dribbling ability and versatility to play as a winger or false 9. The bet is: physical recovery + favorable environment = good performance.

4. Esequiel Barco ( Spartak Moskow )

Speed, mobility and one-on-one technique make Barco a similar profile to Johnston. Although he plays as an attacking midfielder, his arrival is a moderate cost, as it does not involve large market values ​​- current contract with Independiente and possibility of loan with option. He has already demonstrated a goal-scoring instinct since 2016 and has adapted well to the red-black system.

5. Ramiro Vaca (Bolivar - Bolivia)

Although less well-known, Vaca has emerged as an offensive standout in Bolivian football, with short dribbling, speed and an attacking instinct. In 2024, he averaged more than 0.3 goals per game. His signing, which could be worth around R$10 million, represents a smart alternative: immediate performance, quick adaptation and low financial risk.

Context and urgency

After the fiasco with Johnston, the board led by José Boto and Filipe Luís is looking for options that guarantee medical safety and tactical integration. In addition, the team is trying to balance the budget: Okafor has an estimated salary of around R$700 thousand per month. Colidio and Barco reinforce the bet on young players ready to make money through resale. Sosa and Vaca emerge as alternatives with fewer barriers to entry, considering the European and South American markets. The profile required is clear: skillful, light wingers, with the ability to break lines and play with intensity.