Flamengo secures the hiring of Samuel Lino, Brazilian attacker from Atlético de Madrid, in a historic negotiation of 22 million euros (about R$ 143 million), becoming the most expensive reinforcement in the club’s history. Announced on July 25, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro, the transfer surpasses the previous mark of Carlos Alcaraz, hired for R$ 110.6 million in 2024. The agreement, which includes bonuses for goals, was closed after Flamengo outperformed competitors like Napoli and Sporting, with payment in cash and installments scheduled for 2026. The arrival of Lino, elected best player of Atlético in the 2023/24 season, strengthens the red-and-black squad under the command of Filipe Luís. The player, who returns to Brazil after a quick stint in the club’s youth team, aims for greater visibility for the Brazilian national team.
The negotiation marks a moment of financial boldness for Flamengo, which seeks to strengthen the team for national and international competitions. Samuel Lino, 25 years old, brings European experience and versatility to the attack. The Rio club, known for strategic investments, bets on the athlete’s potential to lead the offensive sector.
- Main points of the transfer:
- Value: 22 million euros (R$ 143 million), with additional bonuses.
- Competition: Outperformed proposals from Napoli (Italy) and Sporting (Portugal).
- Payment: Part in cash and installments in January and July 2026.
- Objective: Strengthen the squad for the 2025 season and competitions like the Club World Cup.
Lino’s return to Brazil reflects Flamengo’s ambition in attracting top talents, even amid economic challenges in national football.
Historic negotiation in the Brazilian market
Flamengo solidified its position as one of the most ambitious clubs in Brazil by closing the hiring of Samuel Lino. The investment of R$ 143 million exceeds by more than R$ 30 million the previous record, set with the arrival of Carlos Alcaraz. The transaction, conducted swiftly, demonstrates the financial power of the Rio club, which managed to outperform proposals from European clubs. The red-and-black board, led by Marcos Braz, prioritized the acquisition to meet the demands of coach Filipe Luís, who sees in Lino a player capable of elevating the squad’s technical level.
The proposal presented to Atlético de Madrid was decisive. In addition to the cash amount, Flamengo offered a structured payment plan, with installments fixed for 2026. This model facilitated the negotiation, as the Spanish club sought to free up a spot for foreigners in the squad and raise significant values in the transfer window.
🚨🔴⚫️ Samuel Lino to Flamengo, here we go! Verbal agreement in place with Atlético Madrid.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 25, 2025
Understand transfer fee will be €22m plus €2m add-ons.
Danilo, Jorginho, Saúl, Emerson Royal and now Samuel Lino all brought to the club by director José Boto. Deal in place. pic.twitter.com/xWvMYI2Qzb
Samuel Lino’s trajectory
Born in Santo André, São Paulo, Samuel Lino began his career in the youth categories of São Bernardo. In 2018, he joined the Flamengo squad that won the São Paulo Junior Football Cup, but soon headed to Europe. He passed through Gil Vicente, in Portugal, before standing out at Atlético de Madrid, where he became a key piece in the 2023/24 season. His versatility, acting both as a winger and as a full-back, caught the attention of elite clubs.
At Atlético, Lino scored important goals, like against Valencia, and was elected the best player of the past season. Despite the initial desire to remain in Europe, Flamengo’s proposal, allied with the chance to get closer to the Brazilian national team, weighed in the decision. The attacker sees in the return to Brazil an opportunity to gain prominence under the command of Carlo Ancelotti, coach of the national team.
- Highlights of Lino’s career:
- Champion of the Copinha with Flamengo in 2018.
- Standout at Gil Vicente (Portugal) between 2020 and 2022.
- Elected best player of Atlético de Madrid in the 2023/24 season.
- Experience in competitions like La Liga and Champions League.
Flamengo’s strategy for 2025
The arrival of Samuel Lino reinforces Flamengo’s strategy of assembling a competitive squad for the 2025 season. In addition to Lino, the club secured the hiring of Emerson Royal, ex-Tottenham, showing an aggressive approach in the market. The departure of players like Zé Welinton, who recently left the squad, also indicates a reformulation to prioritize high-performance athletes.
The investment in Lino reflects the preparation for heavyweight competitions, such as the Brazilian Championship, the Copa Libertadores, and the Club World Cup. Flamengo seeks to recover continental protagonism, especially after irregular campaigns in previous years. Lino’s European experience may be a differential in decisive games.
Competition in the European market
The negotiation for Samuel Lino was not simple. Clubs like Napoli, from Italy, and Sporting, from Portugal, showed interest in the player. Napoli saw Lino as a versatile piece for Antonio Conte’s scheme, while Sporting sought to strengthen the attack for the Champions League. However, the financial proposals did not reach the values presented by Flamengo, which stood out for its agility and the offer of an attractive sports project.
Atlético de Madrid, in turn, was willing to negotiate the player to free up space in the squad. The July 2025 transfer window was strategic for the Spanish club, which prioritized team restructuring for the next season. The sale of Lino, added to the bonuses for goals, ensured a significant financial return.
Impact on the red-and-black squad
With the arrival of Samuel Lino, Flamengo strengthens its offensive sector, which already counts on names like Pedro and Gabriel Barbosa. The versatility of the new hire allows coach Filipe Luís to explore different tactical formations. Lino can act both as left winger and as full-back, offering options in systems with three defenders or more offensive formations.
The hiring also signals a change in the club’s reinforcement policy. Unlike previous years, when Flamengo prioritized players at the end of their contracts, the board now invests in athletes at the peak of their careers, with resale potential. The sale of Carlos Alcaraz to Everton, for example, generated profit, even with the midfielder not having adapted to Brazilian football.
Preparation for the Club World Cup
Samuel Lino highlighted, in recent interviews, the motivation of European clubs for the Club World Cup, which will be played in 2025. The tournament, reformulated by Fifa, will feature 32 teams and promises to be one of the most competitive in history. Flamengo, qualified as champion of the 2019 Libertadores, sees in the competition an opportunity to conquer a global title.
Lino’s experience in European competitions, like the Champions League, may be a trump card for Flamengo. The player has already faced high-level opponents, such as Real Madrid and Barcelona, and knows the intense rhythm of international football. His adaptation to the Brazilian style of play, however, will be a challenge, considering the time he spent acting in Europe.
- Expectations for Lino at Flamengo:
- Lead the red-and-black attack in national and international competitions.
- Adapt quickly to Brazilian football after years in Europe.
- Contribute with goals and assists, leveraging his speed and technique.
- Increase visibility for calls to the Brazilian national team.
Flamengo’s financial planning
The record investment in Samuel Lino reflects Flamengo’s financial health, which has stood out for efficient management in recent years. The club managed to balance revenues from ticket sales, sponsorships, and player sales, which allowed a significant contribution in the transfer market. The installment negotiation with Atlético de Madrid minimizes the immediate impact on cash, ensuring sustainability.
In addition, the sale of players like Carlos Alcaraz and the departure of Zé Welinton freed up resources for new investments. Flamengo also counts on revenue from tickets for games at Maracanã, which continues to be one of the club’s main sources of income. The financial strategy allows Flamengo to compete with European clubs for high-level players.
Adaptation challenges to Brazilian football
Despite the impressive resume, Samuel Lino will face challenges upon returning to Brazil. Brazilian football demands adaptation to factors like the intense calendar, with games in sequence, and climatic conditions, which differ from the European environment. In addition, the pressure from the red-and-black fans, known for their passion and demand, will be a test for the player.
The experience in Flamengo’s youth team may facilitate the transition, but Lino will need to prove his value on the field. The fans expect the attacker to repeat the performance that consecrated him at Atlético de Madrid, with quick dribbles and decisive participations in important games.
Bet on the Brazilian national team
The return to Brazil is also a strategy by Samuel Lino to get closer to the Brazilian national team. Under the command of Carlo Ancelotti, the national team seeks new talents to renew the squad. Lino, who has never been called up to the main team, believes that playing for Flamengo, one of the most media-covered clubs in the country, will increase his chances of being noticed.
The attacker has already demonstrated quality in high-level competitions, which places him as a viable option for the national team. The proximity to Brazil also facilitates monitoring by the CBF’s technical committee, which monitors players active in the country.
Panorama of the transfer market
The hiring of Samuel Lino places Flamengo in the spotlight in the South American market. While Brazilian clubs face financial difficulties, the Red-and-Black consolidates itself as a powerhouse capable of attracting European-level players. The negotiation also sends a message to rivals, like Palmeiras and São Paulo, who also seek top reinforcements for 2025.
The transfer market in Brazil has become more competitive, with clubs investing in young players with resale potential. Flamengo, however, differentiates itself by the capacity to make high-impact hirings, like those of Lino and Emerson Royal, which elevate the level of Brazilian football.
