The Clube de Regatas do Flamengo intensified its activities in the market during the suspension of the national calendar for the World Cup. Focusing on the expansion and qualification of its youth categories, the red and black team formalized an offer for young promise Gustavo Puskas, a striker who has stood out at Vila Nova.
Rádio Bandeirantes reported that the amount proposed by the Rio team is R$3.5 million to acquire 80% of the 18-year-old athlete’s federative rights. This move comes as a direct response to the recent decision of Ryan Roberto, who chose to accept an offer to play on the European continent.
Flamengo’s football leadership believes that the departure of its player from the base creates a strategic opening for the inclusion of new values at the training center. Consequently, Gustavo Puskas emerged as a priority name in the club’s planning for the remainder of the season.
Vila Nova directors positively analyze the offer
Behind-the-scenes information indicates that the Gávea club’s proposal was well received by Vila Nova’s management. There is an expectation that negotiations will progress in the coming days, favoring a promising outcome for the team from the capital of Rio de Janeiro.
The striker already has a historic link with the red-and-black club. Prior to his time in football in Goiás, Puskas was part of Flamengo’s under-13 and under-15 teams. Afterwards, he transferred to the youth teams of Athletico-PR, who loaned him to Vila Nova in 2025.
This season, the young talent took part in matches in Series B of the Brazilian Championship, the Central-West Cup and also the Brazilian Under-20 Championship. His solid performance established him as one of the prospects monitored by major clubs across the country.
Projection indicates Gustavo Puskas to strengthen the U20 squad
Although this signing took place shortly after the departure of Ryan Roberto, the tactical characteristics of both athletes are different. Ryan Roberto plays roles on the flanks of the field, while Gustavo Puskas acts as a center forward, a more fixed player in the area.
If the negotiation is completed successfully, the striker must compete for a place mainly with Josmar, one of the main names in Flamengo U20’s offensive sector. The current center forward of the youth team has already accumulated ten goals and one assist in 25 games played in 2026.
