Samuel Lino Returns to Flamengo in Major €24 Million Deal

Samuel Lino will rejoin Flamengo after a verbal agreement was reached with Atlético Madrid. The Brazilian forward will move for a fee of €22 million plus €2 million in add-ons, marking a major transfer for both clubs.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Flamengo have secured the signing of Samuel Lino on a permanent transfer from Atlético Madrid. The deal is valued at €22 million plus €2 million in potential bonuses. At 25, Lino returns to his home country after impressing in Europe. He previously made 93 appearances, scored 12 goals, and provided 16 assists for Atlético Madrid since joining them in the 2023/24 season.

Flamengo outpaced Napoli and several Premier League teams to bring the talented winger back. The transfer was finalized following Andrés Boto’s ambitious player recruitment strategy, adding Lino to recent high-profile arrivals like Danilo, Jorginho, Saúl Ñíguez, and Emerson Royal.

WHY THIS MOVE MATTERS

Lino’s move reflects Flamengo’s aggressive efforts to build a squad capable of winning both domestic and South American titles. The club sits in third place in the 2025 Brasileirão, trailing Palmeiras by just two points. Lino’s versatility and experience in Spain are expected to boost Flamengo’s attacking power for the second half of the season.

Sporting director José Boto’s recent signings show Flamengo’s intent to compete not just in Brazil, but also at the international level, especially with the Copa Libertadores knockout stages ahead.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Lino is set to arrive in Rio de Janeiro for his medicals before signing his contract. Flamengo’s next fixture is against Red Bull Bragantino, who are sixth in the league, only four points behind Flamengo. A win could help Flamengo close the gap to the leaders. Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, will need to strengthen their squad after several high-profile departures. This transfer also highlights the growing challenge for European clubs to retain young South American talent when Brazil’s biggest teams can now rival them financially.