Every transfer window, Flamengo’s fans ask the same burning question: who should Flamengo sign to reclaim dominance in Brazil and conquer South America? With a renewed budget of about €30 million for 2025 and a roster already brimming with stars, the challenge isn’t just about adding names — it’s about finding players who elevate the team in key moments. Today, DiorDribble takes you inside Flamengo’s strategy, gaps, and ideal targets to transform their ambitions into trophies.
Flamengo’s Current Roster: Strengths, Weaknesses, Priorities
Before discussing new signings, it’s crucial to understand Flamengo’s present squad — what’s solid, what’s fragile, and where the real needs lie.
What works well
- Defense: The acquisition of Léo Ortiz has fortified the backline. His consistency and leadership add balance to the defense.
- Midfield experience: With De Arrascaeta, Nicolás de la Cruz, Saúl Ñíguez, and Jorginho, Flamengo has a blend of creativity and control at center.
- Attack depth: Veteran Bruno Henrique, young Wallace Yan, Samuel Lino, Pedro, and even Juninho provide multiple attacking options.
What’s vulnerable
- Right-back vacancy: Wesley França, once a promising right-back, officially departed for AS Roma. Flamengo now needs replacement to maintain width and defensive balance.
- Backup center-forward: If Pedro or Wallace Yan face injury or slumps, Flamengo needs a proven alternative.
- Younger explosion in midfield: While experience is abundant, adding a dynamic, younger midfielder who can press and burst forward would give the squad more verticality.
- Depth in full-back roles: Injuries or rotations could expose weaknesses in left-back or wing-back depth.
Priority map
- Right-back / Wing-back (defensive + attacking capacity)
- Dynamic backup striker
- Young box-to-box midfielder
- Secondary full-back reinforcement
With those priorities, let’s discuss top names who make sense — combining feasibility, tactical fit, and potential impact for this 2025-26 cycle.
Best Transfer Targets For Flamengo (2025–26)
Below are candidates that check different boxes — immediate quality, future upside, and strategic fit.
Right-back / Wing-back options
- Guga (Atlético Mineiro) — A Brazilian right-back known for his bursts forward, crossing accuracy, and defensive resilience. A strong domestic option that could adapt quickly.
- Sergiño Dest — If he becomes available, his experience in Europe and attacking flair down the flank could be a major upgrade.
- Emerson Royal — Interestingly, Flamengo has already moved for him, and his versatility (can play in full-back or wing-back systems) makes him ideal to fill the Wesley hole.
- Kevin Mbabu — The Swiss right-back combines speed and strength. If available at a reasonable cost, he’d offer both defense and attack.
Backup center-forward / attacking depth
- Cucho Hernández — Already tipped as a Flamengo target, Cucho brings physicality, movement, and goal instinct. He’d complement Wallace Yan or Pedro well.
- Germán Cano (if still active and available) — A seasoned finisher with a nose for goals; helpful for high-stakes matches.
- Lucas Beltrán — If Atlético Madrid or another club is open to a loan or sale, Beltrán’s mobility and finishing could add another dimension.
Young midfield dynamism
- João Gomes (if possible to re-sign from Wolves or negotiate He’s the kind of energetic, box-to-box midfielder who helps link defense and attack.
- Felipe Anderson (midfield variant) — As more of a creative runner, Anderson’s experience could boost rotation in midfield.
- Matheus Neres (if emerging from academies) — A high-potential Brazilian youth product who can press and adapt.
Secondary full-back reinforcement / squad depth
- Abner — A young full-back.
- Léo Soares — Versatile in either flank position; cost-effective, able to be rotated.
Tactical Fit: How These Players Help Flamengo’s System
Signing stars without tactical fit is risky. So, how would these options integrate?
Wide balance & transition
With full-backs like Wesley gone, the flank loses much of its vertical threat. A right-back like Guga or Emerson Royal, who can combine defensive discipline with forward forays, restores that balance. Flamengo’s style often depends on full-backs overlapping creative midfielders — so synergy is key.
Strike rotation
Pedro and Wallace Yan are solid, but injuries or fatigue across competitions demand alternatives. A striker like Cucho Hernández gives the coach options to press dee.
Midfield control vs burst
Flamengo runs best when there is control in the center — De Arrascaeta and De la Cruz provide vision — but when matches get stretched, having a younger runner to break lines or press is invaluable. Signing a box-to-box midfielder gives the squad better balance between calm play and dynamism.
Risks & Financial Considerations
- Budget cap: Despite the boosted €30 million budget, Flamengo must be cautious not to overspend or create financial imbalance.
- Adaptation curve: Foreign players or those coming.
- Wage demands: Big-name signings could strain wage structure; Flamengo must balance between marquee and role players.
- Selling pressure: Flamengo’s stars are often targets for European clubs; signings must balance performance and resale value.
Summary Table: Top Target & Purpose
| Role | Ideal Target | Why It Makes Sense |
| Right-back / Wing-back | Guga or Emerson Royal | Fill Wesley gap with defensive + attacking capabilities |
| Backup Striker | Cucho Hernández | Adds goal threat and rotation to main forwards |
| Young Midfielder | João Gomes or Matheus Neres | Injects energy into midfield transitions |
| Full-back Depth | Abner or Léo Soares | Provides cover and squad balance |
Conclusion
Who should Flamengo sign? In 2025–26, the club should prioritize a dynamic right-back, a proven alternative striker, and a younger engine in midfield — all while safeguarding financial health and squad harmony. When those pieces fit, Flamengo can reassert continental dominance.
Below, DiorDribble invites you — share your ideal Flamengo lineup in comments, suggest other targets you believe are under the radar, and follow us for more transfer analysis, match reviews, and player deep dives.
