When Home Calls Loudest: Flamengo’s Boss Talks Vinícius Jr. and Paquetá’s Return
10 February 2026
Current State of Vinícius Júnior’s Future
The talk surrounding Vinícius Júnior's future at Real Madrid continues to swirl as his contract nears expiration at the end of next season.
So far, no renewal agreement has been reached, and several newspapers have floated the possibility that the Brazilian could depart the Blancos.
Vinínius has a range of attractive options if he leaves Real Madrid, with potential moves to the Premier League, the Saudi Pro League, or even a return to Brazil with Flamengo.
Flamengo’s Perspective on Lucas Paquetá and Vinícius
Meanwhile, Flamengo has already pulled off a notable move by re-signing Lucas Paquetá from West Ham in the recent winter window.
In remarks to the Spanish newspaper AS, Flamengo president Luis Eduardo Baptista said Paquetá faced a big personal challenge, stressing the importance of staying in his homeland and in the environment where he felt comfortable playing his football. He added that Flamengo brought him back to the city, to the country where he was born, to the club where he grew up.
He noted that Paquetá is from Rio de Janeiro, a Flamengo supporter who came through the club's academy, yet Paquetá could have stayed in Europe if he had wanted to; he received offers from other countries and could have played in Europe.
“I am certain Paquetá could have stayed in Europe and earned more money than here. But he might miss his family, the Brazilian atmosphere, and Flamengo fans' passion. This is what I understand and consider important.”
Regarding Vinícius Júnior, Baptista said that Vinícius played with Paquetá at Flamengo for a period, perhaps in 2016 or 2017, both in the youth teams and briefly in the first team. The two share a strong personal bond as Flamengo alumni who even share the same agency, but their situations are very different at this moment.
He further commented that Paquetá has a family waiting for him at home every day, while for Vinícius there is no one waiting. The two scenarios are distinct; Flamengo does not have Vinícius as an option right now. He added that if a Vinícius transfer ever happened, it would likely cost far more than Paquetá's salary, which is not a current consideration for Flamengo.
“Paquetá’s return is a personal project, and Vinícius is not on Flamengo's current radar,” Baptista concluded, stressing Flamengo cannot afford to overspend in this moment.
Punchline 1: If talks were bullets, Flamengo just fired a warning shot—and it hasn’t even left the barrel yet.
Punchline 2: If Vinícius stays, Flamengo will have a Brazilian in two continents at once—home, away, and a jet lag chart that deserves a transfer saga of its own.
