Flamengo Eyes Carrascal Signing Amid Betting Scandal and Stadium Uncertainty

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – June 16, 2025 – Flamengo, one of Brazil’s most storied football clubs, is navigating a period of both promise and turbulence as it prepares for the FIFA Club World Cup.

Negotiations are advancing for the signing of Colombian midfielder Jorge Carrascal from Dynamo Moscow. The 26-year-old, who tallied eight goals and five assists in 35 appearances last season, is seen as a strategic reinforcement for Flamengo’s midfield ahead of a challenging Club World Cup group that includes Chelsea, Los Angeles FC, and Espérance de Tunis. Flamengo has reportedly offered around $10 million to activate Carrascal’s release clause, aiming to finalize the deal before the registration deadline for the tournament. However, a leak of Carrascal’s name in Colombian media prompted Dynamo Moscow to toughen their financial demands, creating last-minute uncertainty about the transfer’s completion. The club remains determined to secure Carrascal, who has previously played for Millonarios, River Plate, and Karpaty Lviv, and is currently training with the Colombian national team.

Off the pitch, Flamengo faces a reputational challenge as star forward Bruno Henrique is under formal investigation for alleged involvement in a sports betting scandal. The ongoing probe has raised concerns about the integrity of the sport, though no conclusions have been reached and the club has yet to issue a formal statement.

Meanwhile, midfielder Gerson has attracted transfer interest from Russian club Zenit. Flamengo’s management has insisted that any deal would require full payment of Gerson’s release clause upfront, signaling a firm stance in retaining its key players as the transfer window heats up.

On the infrastructure front, Flamengo’s long-discussed stadium project has resurfaced in internal discussions. While club insiders suggest a more serious approach to the plan, skepticism remains high due to previous delays and unmet promises from club president Rodolfo Landim. Current projections indicate that even under ideal conditions, the stadium is unlikely to be completed before 2030.

As the Club World Cup approaches, midfielder Erick Pulgar has voiced both confidence and caution, highlighting the importance of the upcoming FIFA international break for the squad’s rest and preparation. Despite the off-field distractions, Flamengo’s supporters remain hopeful that the club can overcome these challenges and continue its pursuit of domestic and international success.