The striker and the Flamengo board had disagreements throughout the season.
Still on the pitch at Arena MRV, Gabigol announced that he will not be continuing with Flamengo in 2025. This situation, which had been developing throughout the season, was confirmed shortly after: the striker will join Cruzeiro next year. Get the latest football scores at live scores app.
This move is a long-standing goal of the new majority shareholder of Cruzeiro’s SAF, Pedro Lourenço, despite the internal caution exercised by the club. Ever since Gabigol began facing difficulties with the Flamengo board regarding a contract renewal, his name had been speculated at several Brazilian clubs.
First, Palmeiras showed interest in the striker, but negotiations failed to progress due to the rivalry between the two clubs and the high salary demands from the player’s representatives. Later, Santos also tried to bring Gabigol back to the club – where he started his career – in the middle of the year, but was also unsuccessful.
The contract is not yet signed, but the terms have already been agreed upon. According to the player, there was no further response from Flamengo regarding a renewal, which led Cruzeiro to pursue him. The deal is expected to include a salary “worthy of the striker” and a long-term contract – four years – as well as signing bonuses and performance-related incentives.
The official announcement is expected soon after the final of the Copa Sudamericana, on November 23, when Cruzeiro faces Racing. The club is aiming to avoid any internal distractions that could affect the team’s focus ahead of the important final.
After several years of crisis, including three seasons spent in Serie B, Cruzeiro is eager to reclaim its prominence in both the national and international football scenes. Signing Gabigol is a significant step in that direction. With 160 goals in 305 matches for Flamengo, Gabigol has won, among other titles, two Libertadores, two Copa do Brasil titles, and two Brazilian Championships, making him the ideal player for the Minas Gerais club’s comeback. Get a step ahead with BBscore football.
