Everton Cebolinha's Move to Krasnodar Relieves Flamengo
The winger was released from the squad's camp in Ecuador to finalize a move to Russian soccer, freeing up crucial payroll space.
Everton Cebolinha is close to finalizing a transfer to Russian side Krasnodar after being released from Flamengo's traveling squad in Ecuador. The deal ends the winger's stint with the Rio giants without an immediate transfer fee, providing financial relief on the club's wage bill.
Everton Cebolinha is close to leaving Flamengo to join Russian club Krasnodar. The left winger was released from the squad currently in Quito, Ecuador, where the team faces Independiente del Valle at an altitude of 2,850 meters in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals. With no upfront transfer fee owed by the Russian side, the player ends a contract that was set to run through the end of the year.
In the video above, Bernardo Ramos breaks down Flamengo's transfer market moves, their impact on club finances, and disciplinary issues within the squad. In Bernardo's view, releasing Everton Cebolinha is positive news for Flamengo, given the player's high wages and underwhelming on-pitch output throughout his spell.
Performance and Payroll Savings
Signed for €16 million following spells at Benfica under Jorge Jesus and Grêmio—where he enjoyed a standout run and featured in the 2019 Copa América under Tite—Everton Cebolinha failed to replicate that form in Rio de Janeiro. Bernardo noted that the forward showed only occasional flashes of brilliance and was far too expensive in wages to serve merely as Samuel Lino's primary backup. The forward drew inquiries from Santos and Botafogo, but chose not to play for another Brazilian club. Journalist Raissa Simplício confirmed with the player's wife that the decision had nothing to do with public safety concerns in Rio de Janeiro.
Although the club will not receive a transfer fee for his departure to Krasnodar, parting ways relieves the wage bill during a period of budget tightening. Flamengo aims to generate R$ 256 million from player sales through the end of the season—a target directly affected by the collapse of Gonzalo Plata's €12 million transfer to Dynamo Moscow. Following the Russian club's withdrawal, the Rio giants are considering taking the matter to FIFA to seek legal remedies.
The Gonzalo Plata Saga and New Signings
Amid these departures, the squad has been bolstered by the arrivals of Joaquín Freire from River Plate and Antonio Valencia. Both made their debuts in a victory over Remo in Belém—a match played in heavy rain on a waterlogged pitch, decided by a Samuel Lino toe-poke finish reminiscent of Romário. Freire served as an option to cover for Pedro, and both newcomers provide fresh legs ahead of the clash at high altitude in Ecuador.
Meanwhile, the Gonzalo Plata situation continues to create internal friction. Signed for $9 million and scorer of the decisive goal in the 2024 Copa do Brasil final against Atlético Mineiro at the Arena MRV, the Ecuadorian forward angered Flamengo's board and supporters by attempting to force a move to the UAE, with journalist Venê Casagrande reporting interest from Al Wasl. With the transfer window closing without a deal, Plata rejoined the squad in Belém and traveled for the match against Independiente del Valle. Bernardo described the forward as an off-pitch ticking time bomb—still a useful asset, but far from an exceptional player.